KAMPALA– The Archbishop of Church of Uganda Samuel Steven Kazimba Mugalu has urged the government to quicken the plans of resettling victims of the Kiteezi tragedy and provide them with a decent livelihood.
The affected residents are temporarily staying under large humanitarian tents erected at Kiteezi church of Uganda primary school play grounds as the government continues to figure out practical resolutions for the calamity.
Currently, the Uganda Red Cross Society reports that 328 victims from 35 families are sheltered in this camp, exacerbating the situation daily, particularly regarding utilities.
At a prayer service for the victims at the playground, Archbishop has emphasized the importance of relocating them promptly, stating that prolonged camp stays pose significant challenges, which could include other disease outbreaks. He advocated for swift resettlement to prevent further complications.
“Government should be now putting up good plans to help these people, yes, the process is going on, but it should be quick. These people have been having homes, let them be resettled to a decent place for their lives, but also allowing those whose houses were not destroyed to go and pick up some of their properties.” Kazimba said.
He has further called on the government to learn a lesson in the Kiteezi disaster and strengthen its ministry of disaster preparedness to be ready in such a situation.
“A lot of work has to be done especially in the ministry of disaster preparedness, to save lives in such situations. Rescue equipment and personnel have to be equipped to save lives in these situations. Kazimba said.
The archbishop has also urged the government to heed warnings from technical experts and bodies to prevent similar disasters.
Cue in…………..Kaziimba on Kiteezi
Meanwhile the search efforts continue at the Kiteezi landfill in Wakiso district, where rescue teams are working to recover the bodies of those trapped under the rubble, the devastating collapse of the landfill occurred on August 10, trapping several people and destruction of property.
Police have recovered at least 35 bodies as the operation continues. Over the weekend the Kampala Capital City Authority Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka said the cabinet meeting this week will be discussing practical resolutions for the affected families.
