The SkyBird (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Programme in Ntungamo District is implemented under the Uganda Red Cross Society, with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation and the Austrian Red Cross.
However, the Austrian Red Cross has been officially halted following the suspension of funding by donor countries over the US–Russia war.
During a meeting held at the Uganda Red Cross Society Ntungamo Branch offices today, Namara Frank, the project supervisor at the Uganda Red Cross Society, revealed that a Shillings 280 million project in Nyabihoko Sub County, Kajara County, Ntungamo District is among the activities affected.
Namara explained that the project is uniquely integrated with gender-responsive WASH interventions, livelihood support, and disaster resilience measures.
He said the SkyBird project is implemented across multiple branches of the Uganda Red Cross Society, adding that in Ntungamo, the programme—located in Nyabihoko Sub County—includes construction of springs and boreholes, as well as efforts to fight gender-based violence in the communities.
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According to Namara, due to global wars in Europe, most funds were suspended, creating pressure on the Red Cross Society. As a result, some projects may be paused until the organization secures alternative donors.
Namara urged local leaders to self-fund their development projects and reduce reliance on external donors to ensure long-term sustainability.
He cautioned that donor dependence can expose communities to sudden funding cuts, which may interrupt ongoing activities.
The Vice Chairman of the Branch Governing Board, Byarugaba Aggrey, received the development anxiously and asked Red Cross members and beneficiaries in Nyabihoko Sub County to remain calm as efforts continue to look for alternatives.
The Branch Manager, Asimire Hilary, praised the members behind the SkyBird project architecture, promising to look for another donor to support continuation of the work. He noted that the project was expected to benefit 25,228 individuals.
The Mayor of Ntungamo Municipality, Jacob Kafureeka, commended the Uganda Red Cross Society for supporting less privileged people in the community.
