STAKEHOLDERS MEET TO FORMALIZE KAMPALA CITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEE

Key stakeholders gathered at Fairway Hotel on Wednesday to discuss the formalization of the Kampala City Emergency Response Plan (KCERP), an initiative aimed at addressing the growing need for a comprehensive emergency response system in the capital.

The meeting was attended by government officials, representatives from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Uganda Red Cross Society, UPDF, National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and other relevant stakeholders.

KCCA’s Director of Legal Services, Frank Rusa, opened the discussions, stressing the importance of intentional disaster management.

“What happened at Kiteezi has shaken us,” Rusa remarked. “The government has woken up to be more intentional and resourceful in terms of disaster management. The idea of a comprehensive Kampala Emergency Response Plan is powerful. However, we need the commitment and resources to make it work.”

The discussions focused on the increasing risks posed by Kampala's rapid urban growth, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure.

Rusa emphasized that the city’s unplanned expansion and deteriorating living conditions have heightened its vulnerability to disasters.

“The need for a comprehensive emergency response plan is more urgent than ever. We must collaborate to enhance urban resilience and improve our emergency response systems,” the Acting Executive Director remarked.

Representing the OPM, Solomon Elugant of the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (NECOC) reiterated the government's support for the initiative.

“We commit, as the Office of the Prime Minister, that we shall support KCCA to ensure this plan is a success,” he stated.

A key outcome of the meeting was the proposal to form a dedicated task force that will lead the development and implementation of the KCERP.

This task force will be responsible for ensuring quick decision-making and coordination among various stakeholders, including local authorities, emergency services, and international partners.

The establishment of an emergency fund was also a major point of discussion. Participants agreed that such a fund would allow for timely interventions during disasters, minimizing damage and loss of life. Mobilizing resources and expertise to strengthen the city’s response capabilities will be critical in safeguarding Kampala’s vulnerable populations.

The meeting concluded with a strong call for leadership and commitment from all parties to ensure the success of the KCERP, with stakeholders agreeing to convene regularly to monitor progress.