Uganda is hosting the 2nd National Dialogue on Anticipatory Action at the Speke Hotel in Munyonyo, running from May 22- 23, 2024.
Organized by the Government of Uganda through the Office of the Prime Minister, in collaboration with the Uganda Red Cross Society, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the European Union, the event focuses on the theme “Navigating Uncertainty: Disaster and Climate Risk Financing.”
In her remarks, State Minister for Environment, Beatrice Anywar emphasized the necessity of multi-sectoral collaboration to effectively manage disaster risks.
“It’s clear that one sector cannot handle it all. We need intervention from many,” Anywar said, highlighting the coordinated response from various ministries and development partners during past disasters.
She pointed out that successful mitigation efforts, such as relocating people from landslide-prone areas and promoting the planting of bamboo and other trees on hillsides.
“We have been able to advise on the type of farming on the hillside, these are mitigating factors, and it’s good that we have engaged with the Red Cross,” Anywar noted.
She added that the ongoing collaboration has minimized the impact of recent rains compared to previous years, showing improved preparedness and anticipatory measures.
Irene Nakasita, spokesperson for the Uganda Red Cross, noted a reduction in disasters in some areas due to anticipatory measures they have implemented. She highlighted the use of community radios to disseminate information from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), aiding communities in disaster preparedness.