By Caroline.N
Defence Minister, General Jeje Odongo Oboth-Oboth has officially welcomed the new regional head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Uganda, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining strong collaboration with the humanitarian organisation. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Kampala, highlighted Uganda’s ongoing partnership with ICRC in addressing humanitarian challenges both within the country and across the region.
During the meeting, Minister Oboth-Oboth praised the ICRC for its decades-long work in providing assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected areas. He emphasised the importance of the organisation’s role in promoting humanitarian principles, protecting civilians, and offering essential services to displaced persons and communities impacted by emergencies.
“The Government of Uganda values the critical work of the ICRC. We are committed to supporting their operations and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most,” Oboth-Oboth said. “Our collaboration with the ICRC has been instrumental in fostering stability and protecting lives, and we pledge to continue this cooperation in the years ahead.”
The new ICRC regional head expressed appreciation for Uganda’s supportive environment and highlighted plans to strengthen the organisation’s initiatives in the country. These include enhancing emergency response capacities, providing assistance to refugees, safeguarding detainees, and promoting the dissemination of international humanitarian law.
“Uganda has been a steadfast partner of the ICRC. Our aim is to reinforce these ties and ensure that vulnerable populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons, receive timely and effective humanitarian support,” the official said.
Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, with nearly two million people fleeing conflicts in neighbouring countries such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. The ICRC has played a pivotal role in providing protection, healthcare, water, sanitation, and other essential services to these communities. The organisation also works closely with Uganda’s security forces to ensure humanitarian principles are respected during operations in conflict-prone areas.
Minister Oboth-Oboth further emphasised the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian law, particularly in conflict zones and during security operations. He assured the ICRC that the Ugandan security forces would continue to facilitate safe access for humanitarian personnel and provide support where needed.
The meeting also touched on disaster management and emergency preparedness, with both parties agreeing to collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving Uganda’s resilience to natural disasters and other humanitarian crises. In addition, they discussed training programmes for both military and civilian actors to strengthen knowledge and adherence to humanitarian principles.
Concluding the meeting, both Minister Oboth-Oboth and the ICRC regional head pledged to maintain close cooperation and explore new initiatives to enhance humanitarian operations in Uganda and the broader region. This partnership underscores the importance of government and international organisations working together to ensure the protection and well-being of vulnerable populations.
The visit of the new ICRC regional head is seen as a continuation of a long-standing relationship that has enabled Uganda to respond effectively to humanitarian challenges. By reinforcing these ties, the government and the ICRC aim to create a more coordinated and effective approach to assisting those in need, promoting peace, and safeguarding human dignity across the country.