By Aminah Nabuule
The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has on Thursday, April 29 launched its latest strategic plan.
The plan which was launched at the Office of the Prime Minister, in Kampala, will run for a period of five years from 2021 to 2025.
It was launched at a function which was presided over by the Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali flanked by the URCS Secretary General Robert Kwesiga, a representative from United Nations (UN) Rose Malango, Members of Parliament, MTN CEO Win Venhellepute, Chairman Central Governing Board NRCS Halid Kirunda and several NRCS members plus volunteers.
The latest plan comes following the successful implementation of the one that ran from 2017 to 2020.
It is understood that the development of the new plan is benchmarked on lessons from the implementation of the previous one and the URCS Plan of Action which was a recovery phase meant to stabilise and rebrand the National Society.
The plan is also guided by Government policies and development priorities, the international federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent strategy, Global Sustainability Development Goals and the URCS mandate towards Humanitarian and Development interventions to the population affected or at risk of crises.
Some of the key lessons learnt from the previous plan include effective measurement of performance, empowerment of management and staff, to attract increasing partnership and financing, public image and trust is critical unique resource for attracting partnerships, the core services are a cornerstone for the NS with or without running programs and Humanitarian activities are highly dependent on collaborations and partnerships.
The new plan is focused on Financial Sustainability, Institutional Sustainability, System Consolidation and Service Delivery.
It is also in line with the alignment with global, regional and national development agenda.
The ultimate goal of this strategic plan is to attain institutional, financial and programmatic sustainability.
The elements and key focus areas include Institutional development, membership and branch development, partnership and resource mobilization and program sustainability.
To enhance uniformity in the adoption and application of core values, NRCS has adopted several core values which include value for people, integrity, professionalism, accountability and equity.
What they said at the launch
Gen. Moses Ali – Deputy Prime Minister
“I welcome everyone to this launch of the URCS strategic plan. Thank you to the management of the URCS for inviting the government to be part of the launch.
“As the government, we appreciate the work of Red Cross as far as saving lives and observing humanity.
“We acknowledge the works of the different stakeholders working closely with URCS, the support extended to ensure full fulfilment of its strategies.
“We assure you that we will continue supporting Red Cross so as they continue moving forward. We appreciate that Red Cross has had a smooth journey in Uganda.”
Halid Kirunda – Chairman Central Governing Board
“On behalf of the URCS governess, I am happy to celebrate with management the achievement of such a great milestone at such an opportune time.
“I thank the Secretary General and his team for the rigour and tireless effort dedicated towards the development of this strategic Plan 2021-2025.
“I also want to appreciate the process and approach used especially the consultation undertaken while involving the stakeholders at local, national and international levels. This creates a sense of ownership and support towards the implementation of the strategy.”
Robert Kwesiga – General Secretary URCS
“To all Uganda Red Cross Society stakeholders, I am delighted to present to you our strategic Plan 2021-2025.
“This is our winning aspiration dubbed ‘from recovery to sustainable development’. URCS just completed implementing a four-year strategy 2017-2020 code-named Recovery Plan.
“The ended strategy focused on rebuilding systems, structures and processes to guarantee efficient and effective operations.
“The process of developing this new strategic Plan was a vigorous and consultative approach from all stakeholders. I want to appreciate the support from the Uganda Red Cross Governance Structures, Brand network, Staff, Volunteers, Partners, the Government of Uganda, the Red Cross Movement family and all efforts from across the board. Your contributions have made this a success and here, we roll it out.”
