The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda has today launched the first-of-its-kind National Risk and Vulnerability Atlas for Uganda at the Office of the Prime Minister headquarters in Kampala.
The National Risk and Vulnerability Atlas is a key instrument designed by the Office of the Prime Minister, with support from the United National Development Program (UNDP) to enhance understanding of disaster risk in all its dimensions; including hazards, exposure, and vulnerability in all the 122 Districts of Uganda.
While giving his remarks at the launch, PM Rugunda said that the National Atlas will enable policymakers and practitioners in government, the private sector, media, and the general public to understand and make informed decisions on planning and implementing disaster risk responses.
RT. Hon. PM Rugunda officially launches the National Risk and Vulnerability Atlas
He added that the knowledge contained in the Atlas will be handy in designing strategies to build the resilience of communities most prone to disaster risks.
The UNDP Resident Representative for Uganda, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, congratulated the teams that have dedicated time, resources, and intellect to make this Atlas a success. She added that if climate and disaster risks are not mitigated, they will greatly slow down development in Uganda.
PM Rugunda (2nd Left) pauses for a photo alongside UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah (Left), the Minister for Relief, Disaster and Refugees Hon Hillary Onek (Centre), the OPM Ag Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dombo Collins (2nd right), and the Ag. Commissioner for Disaster, Ms. Rose Nakabugo (Right)
She said that the Risk Atlas is a timely venture for integrated early warning messages and alerts in disaster situations.
The function was also attended by the Minister for Relief, Disaster and Refugees, Hon. Hillary Onek.
UNDP handed over equipment to strengthen the National Emergency Coordination Center (NECOC) in detecting and averting climate and disaster risks in the country. The equipment includes; Drones Cameras, Solar Equipment Hardware for Data Collection, among others.
