Uganda ill-equipped for major disasters, says MUBS professor

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As Uganda and the rest of the world grapple with the effects of climate change, including altered rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, the country remains inadequately equipped to handle disasters.

This is according to Prof. Ernest Abaho, Associate Professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Project Management at Makerere University Business School (MUBS).

Prof. Abaho noted that Uganda has limited access to disaster preparedness equipment, including essential survival supplies, personal protective gear, and communication tools needed to help individuals and households cope when basic services and utilities are disrupted.

L-R: John PK Byaruhanga, the District Governor Lions Clubs International, presenting the Charter to the president of the Namugongo Lions Club, Eng. Joseph Wembabazi. (Photo by Jovita Mirembe)

"Our government currently lacks the capacity to provide such equipment to everyone at once in the event of a major disaster," Abaho said.

"As a result, disaster response and equipment availability remain significant challenges. Relief efforts are often focused on post-disaster assistance such as food distribution, tarpaulins, and localised early-warning systems rather than ensuring universal personal preparedness."

He made the remarks while officiating at the induction of charter members, installation of leaders, and presentation of the charter for the Namugongo Lions Club of District 411B at Abba Hotel in Kyaliwajjala on October 31.

Prof. Abaho urged members of the newly chartered club to partner with the Uganda Red Cross Society to support communities affected by disasters.

He emphasised that humanitarian service, including assisting vulnerable groups, addressing urgent community needs, and uplifting disadvantaged people without financial gain, is one of the core objectives of Lions Clubs.

The Namugongo Lions Club is part of the global Lions Clubs International movement and operates under District 411B Uganda.

The club shares the organization's humanitarian mission and service framework aimed at supporting communities worldwide.

Speaking at the event, John Paddy Kikanu Byaruhanga, District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 411B, said the organisation currently has about 1.4 million members globally and aims to grow its membership to two million within the next three years.

"There is rapid transformation towards middle-income status in many communities around the world, creating an opportunity to attract more people to join and serve through Lions Clubs," he said.

John PK Byaruhanga, District Governor, Lions Clubs International District 411B, pinning Lion Israel Manzi, Region A Chairperson for Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. (Photo Jovita Mirembe)

The newly installed President of the Namugongo Lions Club for the 2026-2027 term, Eng. Joseph Wembabazi, said the club was launched last month and already has 30 registered members.

"We are mobilising more people to join the club so that we can expand our capacity to serve communities in various areas of need," Wembabazi said.

Meanwhile, Lion Israel Manzi, Region A Chairperson for Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono, revealed that the club recently donated items worth sh1.2m to Kyaliwajjala UMEA Primary School. The donation included rice, fruit tree seedlings, sanitary pads, and cooking oil as part of the club's community service activities.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and charter pins to new members, followed by a cake-cutting celebration to mark the occasion.