The Chinese Red Cross Society has donated items worth 1 billion shillings (over $9 million) to the Uganda Red Cross Society to boost its humanitarian services.
The items donated are to provide general relief, and include medical kits and office equipment.
Tents, blankets, sleeping bags, computers and printers are also among the items donated.
The Chinese Red Cross Society is a social relief group engaged in humanitarian work and a member of the International Red Cross Movement. The Society aims to promote the cause of human peace and progress by promoting humanity, fraternity and dedication, protecting human life and health. It was founded in 1904.
Upon handing over the items to the Uganda Red Cross Secretary General, Robert Kwesiga, the Chinese Economic and Commercial Counselor in Uganda, Ms Zhau Xinfen, challenged the organisation to use the items solely to improve the lives of Ugandans.
“I really hope that these aid goods can help in capacity building of [the] Uganda Red Cross Society and local communities, and can benefit the most vulnerable people in Uganda,” Ms Zhau added.
Ms Zhau also revealed that since the signing of an memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Uganda Red Cross Society in 2013, the Red Cross Society of China had donated items worth $700,000.
Mr Kwesiga lauded the Chinese government and the Red Cross Society of China for the continued support, local media reported.
In a statement, Mr Kwesiga said that the donated relief items would be given to any people affected by a humanitarian emergency.
“I thank the people of China and the Chinese Red Cross for this cooperation and hand of friendship to the people in Uganda or those who come to Uganda and need humanitarian support,” Mr Kwesiga said.
He added that the Uganda Red Cross Society is committed to continue delivering quality humanitarian services to the most vulnerable people in Uganda and pledges to use the donated items as expected.
Mr Kwesiga said the partnership between the Chinese Red Cross and Uganda Red Cross Society has been on for a number of years and humanitarian support of various forms has been successfully given on several occasions.
