EDITOR—I have been listening to different individuals in Uganda discussing how prepared the Government is for disaster. Though a lot has been said, only a few are offering solutions while the rest are justifying their blame claims. A solution to such a catastrophe lies mainly in structural adjustment of the ministry of disaster preparedness. It cannot be an independent ministry due to limited resources and consequently limited technocrats and equipment. Here is my suggestion as to what should be done.

A committee should be set up that reports to the presidency and the finance ministry.
This committee should comprises the President, the army and Police representatives, the works ministry and those of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).

The President’s input is necessary because his orders are taken seriously. The Police and the army always have ready manpower and organised transport. Besides, they work with limited 'whys'. The representatives from the works ministry and UNRA will be at hand to provide the necessary equipment.

The two disaster preparedness ministers, Tarsis Kabwegyere and Musa Ecweru can then come in to work on the recovery process.
This may include restoration and relief of the affected people.
This is not a classical model derived from governance books but a rational approach to address disaster. It is particularly important in our situation where we have to learn to work with limited resources and yet achieve a desired aim.

Robert Baguma Mwesigwa
Kampala