Red Cross prepares contingency plan for refugees

The Ugandan Red Cross Society, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has completed a contingency plan for the southwest of the country designed to allow it respond quickly and efficiently to an influx of refugees arising either from political unrest in the Great Lakes region or periodic small scale disasters such as floods, droughts and epidemics. "The situation in this region is volatile and, despite repeated efforts to secure peace, an influx of refugees into Uganda from surrounding countries cannot be dismissed," a Federation report stated on Thursday. The Red Cross has given some branches in the region - and particularly the branch in Kisoro, a major entry point from the Kivus in DRC - particular technical support and training to enable them to cope, the report stated. It has also been working closely with the government on a Disaster Preparedness Policy and related legislation currently before cabinet. Nakivale camp has been designated by the government as a reception camp for any major influx of refugees into the country, it added.