Nkasi District has taken a major step toward strengthening disaster preparedness with the official launch of district-wide disaster management guidelines by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. James Kilabuko.
The event took place on January 27, 2026, with officials and community leaders in attendance.
Dr. Kilabuko emphasized that the guidelines mark the beginning of a formal system to respond to disasters, urging all district departments, units, and institutions to implement them effectively.
“These guidelines will raise community awareness about disaster management, strengthen early warning systems, build prevention capacity, reduce impacts, and improve preparedness and recovery whenever disasters occur,” he said.
The launch comes at a critical time for Nkasi, which has faced repeated disasters including strong winds, floods, disease outbreaks in humans and animals, and human-wildlife conflicts.
A district disaster assessment conducted in January 2026 also identified other recurring incidents such as crop pests, road and water accidents, fires, lightning strikes, landslides, and earthquakes. Dr. Kilabuko praised the district’s efforts in addressing cholera outbreaks.
He also thanked the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for funding that supported the development of the District Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan and the Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy.
Brigadier General Hosea Ndagala, Director of the Disaster Management Department in the Prime Minister’s Office, said the government has put in place a robust legal and institutional framework for disaster management, including the National Disaster Management Policy (2004, updated 2025) and the Disaster Management Act, Cap. 242, which cover planning from the national to village level.
“It is important for councils to allocate funds for implementing this plan and educate citizens on proactive disaster measures, as disaster management starts with each individual,” Brig. Gen. Ndagala said.
Nkasi District Commissioner, Peter Lijualikali, commended the Prime Minister’s Office and UNICEF for their support, promising to ensure the guidelines are effectively implemented.
“The district has received a valuable resource, and we will use it as a practical guide to achieve meaningful results,” he said.
Council Chairperson, Hon. Richard Leonard Masai, called on residents to follow early warning instructions and take preventive measures to maintain a safe and resilient community.