ReliefWeb

GLIDE n° OT-2011-000044-UGA

The International Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross and Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation’s disaster response system and increases the ability of national societies to respond to disasters.

CHF 99,880 has been allocated from the Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in delivering immediate assistance to 1,500 people affected by riots in Uganda. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary:

Riots have broken out in various parts of Uganda since April 11th following the opposition parties’ calls for protests against the government in connection with increasing food and fuel prices. Opposition politicians have been arrested. As of the 29th of April, it has been reported that there have been 5 deaths and approximately 459 people injured as a result of confrontations.

The Uganda Red Cross Society has provided life saving first aid to people affected by the riots, ambulance services for referral to hospital, as well as tracing and psychosocial support to affected people. Mobilization of blood donations will also be accelerated to address the likely increased need for transfusions. The operation targets approximately 1,500 people directly.

This operation is expected to be implemented over 2 months, and will therefore be completed by 30th June 2011; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 30th September 2011).