Caritas Tororo, Catholic Relief Services launch project to boost emergency response in Eastern Uganda
Catholic Relief Services, in partnership with Caritas Tororo, has launched a new project aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of Caritas Tororo to serve as a first responder in emergencies in eastern Uganda.
The initiative is designed to better equip Caritas Tororo to address the region's vulnerability to natural disasters, including floods, landslides, mudslides, and hailstorms.
The eastern districts of Butaleja, Tororo, Bududa, and Kween have long faced severe challenges due to these natural calamities, which have led to widespread devastation and loss.
As communities continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change, this new initiative aims to meet their urgent needs by enhancing local disaster response capabilities.
Speaking at the launch, Heyl Lainey, the acting country representative of Caritas Uganda, emphasized the importance of empowering communities to combat the effects of natural disasters.
"In Eastern Uganda, every year the region suffers from natural calamities. When rain comes, people lose properties, including crops and houses, affecting their livelihoods. So, there is a need to empower communities to fight this vice," Lainey stated.
The project focuses on ensuring that Caritas Tororo's staff are well-trained and equipped with disaster management skills, with systems and structures in place to facilitate an effective response.
As part of the initiative, district chairpersons and secretaries of disaster management committees from the six districts of Bududa, Namisindwa, Tororo, Butaleja, Sironko, and Kween participated in the official launch and pledged their support to strengthen Caritas Tororo's emergency response capabilities.
Local leaders are optimistic about the project's potential to save lives and protect property through timely intervention.
"Sometimes houses are blown off, and people are forced to sleep in classrooms for weeks without any help. I believe this will change with this training," said John Okea, the Tororo District Chairperson.
Other leaders have called for the initiative to be expanded beyond Eastern Uganda to other regions like Central.
"You have seen what happened recently in Kampala. It's now clear that disasters can occur where they're least expected," said Nixon Owole, the Tororo Resident District Commissioner.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities in Eastern Uganda.
As the project takes root, it is expected to make a lasting impact on the region's ability to cope with and recover from natural disasters.
