The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has donated items worth one billion shillings (over nine million US dollors) to the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) to boost its humanitarian services.

The items donated are to provide general relief, and include medical kits and office equipment, in addition to tents, blankets, sleeping bags, computers and printers.

The RCSC is a social relief group engaged in humanitarian work and a member of the International Red Cross Movement. Founded in 1904, it aims to promote the cause of human peace and progress by promoting humanity, fraternity and dedication, protecting human life and health.

Upon handing over the items to Robert Kwesiga, the URCS General, the Chinese Economic and Commercial Counselor in Uganda, Zhao Xiufen, 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,” Zhao added.

Zhao also revealed that since the signing of an memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the URCS in 2013, the RCSC had donated items worth 700,000 US dollars.

URCS General Kwesiga lauded the Chinese government and the RCSC for the continued support, local media reported.

In a statement, Kwesiga said that the donated relief items would be given to any people in 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,” Kwesiga said.

He added that the URCS is committed to continuous delivery of quality humanitarian services to the most vulnerable people in Uganda and pledges to use the donated items as expected.

Kwesiga said the partnership between the RCSC and URCS has been on for a number of years and humanitarian support of various forms has been successfully given on several occasions.