RDC Eva Kwesiga calls for inclusive, community-led disaster preparedness in Obongi.

By Okidi Patrick Ocamoyitdye

OBONGI: The new Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Obongi District, Eva Kwesiga, has called for a bottom-up approach to disaster management that puts communities at the centre.

She made the call while delivering opening remarks during the dissemination of handbooks on Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Response organized by JICA.

“The District Vice Chairperson, Members of the District Executive Committee, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Heads of Departments, LC3 Chairpersons from Palorinya and Itula Sub-counties, Senior Assistant Secretaries, Community Development Officers, representatives from JICA, fellow leaders and distinguished participants, good morning,” she said.

Kwesiga said she was pleased to be part of the important engagement and noted she was accompanied by ARDC Obongi District, Hon. Komakech Robert Obina, and Deputy DISO, Mr. Adam Kamugisha.

She emphasized that disaster preparedness and response is a responsibility that requires the participation of everyone.

“Communities are often the first to experience disasters and, in many cases, the first responders. Their knowledge, participation and preparedness are therefore critical,” she said.

Kwesiga urged participants to take the handbook seriously.

“Please read it religiously, internalise its contents and translate the knowledge into practical action. The handbook should not simply remain on our shelves; it should become a useful reference in our planning, preparedness, response and recovery activities,” she said.

She appreciated JICA for supporting the initiative, saying development partners remain important fallbacks and strategic partners to Government, particularly in strengthening capacity to prepare for and respond effectively to disasters.

“As Obongi District, we must strengthen coordination among political leaders, technical staff, security agencies, community structures, development partners and other stakeholders. Effective disaster management requires timely information sharing, proper planning, accountability and coordinated action,” Kwesiga added.

She called for transparency, teamwork and collective responsibility to ensure that disaster preparedness and response is inclusive, practical and responsive to the needs of all members of communities, particularly vulnerable groups.