URCS - Mukono Branch
This is one of the 51 Branches of the Uganda Red Cross Society in which Programs and services are being implemented. Later in 1986, Mukono branch was elevated to a level of a Branch due to a number of reasons among which was the development of the area and the faster growing population which could mean more Health problems and then Kayunga was demoted to a Sub – Branch to be c
ontrolled by Mukono Branch. The Branch covers a total area of 14,241sqkm of which 4,594km is land while 9,647 is covered by water operating in four districts to include Mukono, Kayunga, Buvuma and Buikwe. But currently only Kayunga district has an operating sub branch. Location Of the Branch office
The Branch office is located in Kauga village- Mukono district near the district headquarters about 21 kilometers from Kampala city adjacent to the works Department of Mukono District. The URCS Vision
To build an empowered health and self-sustaining community that responds to the needs of the most vulnerable. The URCS MISSION
To be a lading humanitarian agency in Uganda in saving lives, supporting livelihood and promoting dignity. The URCS Goal
Sustainable improvement in the quality of life of the most vulnerable communities in Uganda
The URCS core values.
• Open mindedness
• Responsive
• Integrity/ Transparency/Stewardship
• Responsible
• Democracy ( equal distribution of decision - making powers)
• Value for people
• Equity/Equality
• Respect for gender and other forms of diversity
• Professionalism
• Identity
The Objectives of the Uganda Red Cross Society
1. Improve the health status of Vulnerable and affected communities by reducing morbidity and mortality arising from common diseases and health emergencies.
2. Strengthen community resilience and institutional capacity to ensure disaster risk reduction, response and impact reduction
3. Enhance and strengthen organizational development of URCS/branches to effectively and efficiently plan and implement programs and projects
The Red Cross Fundamental Principles
The Red Cross entirely operates under seven principles and these are;
Humanity
Red Cross aims at providing assistance to the most vulnerable people without discrimination to alleviate human suffering. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for human dignity promoting mutual understanding and friendship among all people. Impartiality
Red Cross does not discriminate in all that they do. It provides services without prejudice towards any nationality, race, religious affiliations, class or political opinions. It gives priority to the most argent cases of distress. Neutrality
In order to continue enjoying the confidence of all, Red Cross does not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, tribal, religious or ideological nature. Independence
Red Cross conducts its activities independently without any external influence. The agency carries out its activities at its own will without any pressure and direction thought it works hand in hand with the government and other agencies in line with the laws of the respective countries. Voluntary service
Red Cross is a voluntary organization offering its services without expecting any gain in return. Unity
There can only be one Red Cross society in any country with volunteers doing the activities united as one. Universality
Red Cross is all over the world operating with in 187 countries worldwide in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other. Operation of the Uganda red crosses society
Uganda Red Cross Society is auxiliary to the Government of the Republic of Uganda in the ex*****on of its services aimed at improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable. URCS also partners with a number of organizations in ex*****on of its mission and these include among others; the UN agencies, Danish Red Cross, UNHCR, OPM, Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS), ICRC, Hospitals, the AIDS information Centre (AIC), District Health Service and other sister Red Cross National societies and International funding agencies like the world bank. The URCS structure at Branch level. PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE URCS
Health and care
This majorly focuses on well being/ health of the vulnerable people. Under this program, Red Cross does reproductive health, First Aid Trainings and Services, Blood Donor Recruitment, Water and Sanitation (WATSAN), Immunization Mobilization to protect children against the six killer disease and malaria control programs. Disaster Management
Under this, the Red Cross responds to Disasters wherever they happen like in times of landslides. The other thing done under this program is tracing. This deals with the restoration of family links such as lost relatives. It also deals with Disaster Preparedness, Community Based Disaster Management Trainings (CBDMT) for Risk Reduction, Food Security and other Livelihood. Organizational development
This deals with among others; Dissemination of Red Cross information and Membership Recruitment, Youth and Volunteer Management, Capacity Building, Communication Development, Resource Mobilization, Finance and Logistics and so on. Institutional Development
This is the program that deals with the Policies, Systems and Procedures among other activities. The URCS Membership
The Red Cross Society is a membership Organization World Wide. And in Uganda,
A membership subscription is as follows. Cooperate membership----------------------------------------100,000= annually
Life membership----------------------------------------------------20,000= (life)
Annual membership------------------------------------------------5,000= (annually)
Senior membership( 18-30 years)--------------------------------2,000= (annually)
Junior membership( 0-17years)-----------------------------------1,000= (annually)
Youth Link / Gender group Reg:---------------------------------5000 = (life)
