news 23 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Government Champions Proactive Disaster Management Over Reactive Response
Uganda's government is urging a strategic shift from merely responding to disasters to implementing proactive measures and early action. This aims to better protect lives, livelihoods, and reduce the economic toll of catastrophic events. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-urges-shift-from-disaster-response-to-early-action-5606520
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Uganda is advocating for a significant change in how the nation approaches disasters. Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza emphasized the need to transition from reactive responses after a disaster strikes to a more forward-thinking strategy focused on anticipating risks and taking early action.
Kakooza highlighted that enhanced access to weather forecasts, comprehensive risk information, and thorough vulnerability assessments are now available. The crucial challenge, he noted, lies in effectively converting this data into prompt decision-making and impactful interventions.
This proactive approach is expected to yield substantial benefits, including safeguarding human lives, preserving livelihoods, and ultimately diminishing the considerable costs associated with disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. By acting before disaster strikes, the government aims to mitigate the severity of impacts.
The push for early action aligns with global trends in disaster risk reduction, recognizing that preventative measures are often more cost-effective and humane than post-disaster relief operations. This strategic shift involves closer collaboration among various government agencies, international partners, and local communities to ensure timely and targeted interventions.