Why This Pillar Matters

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE

Uganda faces rising floods, droughts, and landslides yet disaster response remains reactive rather than preventive. ARDHI works to strengthen community preparedness, integrate climate risk into planning, and ensure that when disasters strike, no life or livelihood is left unprotected.

The Challenge: A Cycle of Crisis

Disasters are predictable yet Uganda responds as if they’re surprises.

Every year, disasters destroy homes, schools, and crops. Despite early-warning systems, coordination gaps and weak funding leave communities to fend for themselves. Recovery is slow, and prevention receives little attention in national planning. The same families rebuild every season trapped in a cycle of loss that could have been prevented.

Funfact

The Gaps We Must Close

0 %

of Uganda’s natural disasters are climate-related

0 +

districts declared disaster-prone by OPM

< 0 %

of national budget allocated to prevention and preparedness

How We Intervene

Research and Evidence

ARDHI analyzes disaster-risk trends, early warning systems, and institutional response frameworks to uncover legal and funding gaps that weaken Uganda’s disaster preparedness. We produce evidence-based policy briefs that inform the design of national contingency plans and strengthen coordination between local governments, humanitarian actors, and vulnerable communities.

Advocacy Dialogues

We convene dialogues between parliamentarians, disaster management agencies, civil society, and at-risk communities to influence laws that make disaster response timely, equitable, and transparent. Through targeted campaigns, ARDHI pushes for the integration of climate adaptation, gender inclusion, and human rights protection in Uganda’s disaster policy framework.

Legal Guidance

ARDHI provides technical assistance to policymakers and local governments in drafting, reviewing, and implementing disaster management policies that safeguard citizens’ rights. We advocate for legal provisions ensuring accountability in relief distribution, protection of displaced persons, and long-term recovery planning anchored in the rule of law.

From Grassroots to Policy Change

ARDHI bridges the gap between community experiences and policymaking. Through research, dialogue, and advocacy, we ensure that the lessons learned on the ground directly inform national laws and strategies that create lasting change.

How We Are Impacting Lives

ARDHI works with communities to improve disaster readiness training local responders, strengthening early warning systems, and promoting safer housing and infrastructure. We help communities recover faster and reduce loss during crises.

How We Are Shaping Policy

ARDHI collaborates with government agencies to integrate community-led resilience into national disaster frameworks. ARDHI advocates for data-driven response plans, climate adaptation funding, and local inclusion in emergency decision-making.

Our Focus Areas

Protecting vulnerable communities before, during, and after disasters.

Women

Ensuring women’s voices are included in district disaster response and recovery planning.

Youth

Equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to become community disaster responders and innovators.

Child-Headed Families

Supporting community-based health outreach programs for vulnerable households.

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

Campaigning for accessible healthcare facilities and inclusive public health planning.

Community Work

Collaborating with local health teams to improve sanitation, clean water access, and preventive care.

Policy Focus

Strengthening health-environment policies to address pollution, inequity, and rural health infrastructure gaps.

The Future We Imagine

Imagine a Uganda where early-warning systems save lives, where communities rebuild stronger, and where no disaster catches us unprepared. ARDHI envisions a nation where preparedness is policy and resilience is a way of life.

Latest News

Policy & Research

October 11, 2025 Health & Environment | Waste Management

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Every second counts when disaster strikes. Join ARDHI in strengthening Uganda’s ability to prepare, respond, and rebuild turning crisis into resilience.

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