By Aggrey Baba
A stitch in time saves nine, and when disaster strikes, timely action can mean the difference between life and death.
Recognizing the importance of preparedness, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport ( Maritime Department) and the Uganda Red Cross Society, held a vital search and rescue sensitization workshop in Kyotera District on 14 February 2025.
The workshop, officially opened by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Apollo Mugume, aimed at equipping key stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to air and water emergencies.
Mr. Mugume applauded the initiative, describing it as the first of its kind in Kyotera and urging organizers to consider a cross-border sensitization program in the future, given the district’s proximity to neighboring countries.
Similar training sessions were also conducted in Ntungamo and Isingiro during the same week, ensuring a wider reach and preparedness across different regions.
Search and rescue is not just a duty but a national responsibility, one that ensures timely assistance for those in distress due to unfortunate incidents in the air or on water. As the saying goes, it is better to dig a well before you are thirsty.
By building capacity and fostering collaboration, UCAA and its partners are reinforcing Uganda’s ability to respond swiftly and efficiently when disaster calls. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
