The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has appointed Busoga Kingdom’s legal affairs advisor, Owekitibwa Alex Luganda, as a member of the World Compliance and Mediation Commission.
The Kingdom’s iconic lawyer was nominated and approved by the 191 member states of the IFRC during the 24th General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The assembly began on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, and will run through October 25.
“On a very good note, I have just been appointed by the 191 member states General Assembly of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement sitting here in Geneva, Switzerland, as a member of the World Compliance and Mediation Commission of the IFRC for the next 4 years. I am overwhelmed with joy,” said Counsel Luganda.
Luganda’s international appointment is valid for the next four years, serving the world’s largest humanitarian network, which brings together more than 16 million volunteers for the good of humanity.
He added, “I dedicate this victory to my late brother and mentor, Patrick Nkono Luganda, who prepared and encouraged me to take on these international journeys.”
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, expressed his heartfelt congratulations for the achievement of his notable subject, who advises the kingdom on legal matters.
“I extend my sincere congratulations and warmest wishes to our legal icon & Attorney General of Busoga Kingdom, Alex Luganda, on your appointment by the 191 Member States General Assembly of the IFRC in Geneva, Switzerland, as a member of the World Compliance and Mediation Commission of the IFRC for the next 4 years. May your journey be fulfilling,” said King Nadiope.
During the significant international gathering in Geneva, IFRC President, Kate Forbes, highlighted the challenges faced by humanitarian workers and those impacted by natural disasters, conflict, and other crises.
“Today, our work is increasingly difficult,” she told the gathering. “Global conflicts have escalated, endangering civilians and our volunteers, making it even more difficult to deliver humanitarian aid.
“The surge in violence against humanitarian workers underscores a decline in adherence to international humanitarian law and poses a direct threat to our mission,” she added.
In 2024 alone, she noted, the IFRC network of National Societies has lost 30 volunteers in the line of duty, the most recent being a Sudanese volunteer named Sadel, who was killed while providing life-saving assistance at his local hospital.
“Each loss is profound for both the communities we serve and for our global network, weakening our ability to support those in need — but not weakening our resolve to directly address these crises,” she continued.
As part of its ongoing efforts to protect humanitarian workers, the IFRC launched the “Protect Humanity” campaign earlier this year to raise awareness and rally support for the protection of volunteers and staff.
