Uganda launches policy on disaster management

In his article for New Vision, Titus Kakembo reports on the launch of the popular version of the National Policy on Disaster Preparedness and Management by Minister for Disaster Preparedness Hillary Onek. Chapter five of the policy framework points out strategies and mechanisms integrating schools, the media, [and recommends taking steps to] assess risk in place, partner with international organs, research, put in place early warning systems and human resource training.

“Disasters are as old as the Biblical times,” pointed out the director World Vision International, Niber Baba Tierto. “By then the coping mechanism was Noah’s Ark. Now what the rural folks want is moisture in their gardens – how are governments and NGOs going to lend a hand?”