KAMPALA — The Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Sam Engola, has held talks with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mission to Uganda on strengthening cooperation in disaster risk management, climate resilience and anticipatory action.
Minister Engola on Tuesday received IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda Joselyn Bigirwa and her team for a courtesy visit, during which the two sides discussed regional programmes focused on peace, climate, health and economic integration.
According to the Ministry of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Ms Bigirwa briefed the minister on IGAD’s ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting member states to build resilience against emerging challenges.
Engola thanked IGAD for its technical and financial support towards Uganda’s disaster preparedness efforts, highlighting the role of the regional bloc in supporting the development of key disaster management tools.
The minister specifically cited the Multi-Hazard Integrated Early Warning System and the Uganda Anticipatory Action Roadmap, which were launched last Friday with IGAD’s support.
The Multi-Hazard Integrated Early Warning System is intended to provide timely alerts on hazards including floods, droughts and landslides, allowing authorities and communities to prepare before disasters occur.
The Anticipatory Action Roadmap, on the other hand, sets out measures that government agencies can take ahead of predicted disasters to reduce loss of life, protect livelihoods and minimise economic damage.
The meeting reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to supporting Uganda and other member states in strengthening disaster preparedness as climate-related emergencies become more frequent across the Horn of Africa region.
Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in areas of early warning, climate adaptation and coordinated responses to humanitarian challenges.
