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Government ministers and senior UPDF officers share a photo moment with some of the "OKOA MAISHA," course participants at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability-URDC headquarters. URN The Works Minister, Edward Katumba, has called for increased financing of di
Government ministers and senior UPDF officers share a photo moment with some of the "OKOA MAISHA," course participants at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability-URDC headquarters.
URN
The Works Minister, Edward Katumba, has called for increased financing of disaster response.
Speaking at the closure of the multi-sectoral command post exercise at Jinja-based Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability-URDC, Katumba emphasized the need for intentional financing geared towards streamlining disaster response, which will enhance the government's disaster response capabilities.
The exercise, codenamed "Okoa Maisha," literally translated as "save life," attracted 100 participants from various disaster response stakeholders, including the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Services, Red Cross, the civilian population, immigration, and others.
Katumba revealed that one of the Ministry of Works excavators has been stuck to date within one of the mudslide-stricken areas in the Elgon region, making it damaged and beyond repair.
Katumba said that preparing for disasters after their occurrences only prompts panic, without a clear sense of direction.
Katumba asserts that some of the available equipment was received in the form of donations in preparation for a timely disaster response.
Katumba, however, notes that there are critical pieces of equipment that are not physically listed in the respective inventories of both the UPDF and the Ministry of Works, yet are crucial in fostering a timely response during the occurrence of largely natural disasters.
Disaster Preparedness Minister, Hillary Onek, says that the Command Post Exercise has not merely tested protocols, but has largely strengthened resolve and sharpened capabilities against the ever-present threat of disasters. He says that this entailed the stimulation of complex, multiagency operations that reflect the realities faced from natural hazards to man-made emergencies.
Onek says that the participants are skilled in both response and early detection of all manifestations of disaster outbreaks, including the man-made ones like the Kitezi one.
Onek adds that they have already mapped out disaster-prone areas, arguing that, with this information in place, they are currently investigating early warning systems and communication strengthening through FM radio stations, with hopes of fostering timely rescue efforts.
The State Minister for Veteran Affairs, Huda Olero, reiterated UPDF's readiness to respond to any form of disaster at any time, stating that it comprises well-trained responders with largely rescue skills.
Olero says that UPDF has been at the center of disaster response efforts from the mudslides, locusts, floating islands to Kitezi, among others, which have showcased their outstanding commitment in regards to saving lives and property.
The Commandant of URDC, Brig. Ernest Nuwagaba says that this year's command post exercise has been conducted under the theme of strengthening multi-sectoral resilience and local action on sustainable disaster response and management through integrated leadership and command," glides to underscore the collaborative, local, and sustainable nature of modern disaster response mechanisms.