KAMPALA- Specialists in psychological treatment are calling for support to the victims of the Kiteezi collapsed landfill at the camp.
Dr. Ali Male, a specialist from the Uganda Counseling Association, is worried that inadequate psychological support may lead to severe consequences, including increased risk of suicide due to overwhelming stress among the traumatized individuals in the camp.
His counterpart Emmanuel Gyita has however, noted that their team will deploy to the camp for a five-day intervention, delivering vital counselling services to those affected by the Kiteezi disaster.
“These are our brothers and sisters deserving of compassion and care. They urgently require hope and healing, we are going there with a team of counselors, counseling psychologists, and clinical psychologists to provide specialized support. Our goal is to make a positive impact on many lives,” Gyita notes.
According to John Cliff Wamala, the communication and Relations Officer, said that much more needs to be done in terms of psychological support, especially children.
“Most of these lost their loved ones and others lost properties, some have been threatening to end  their lives, others pregnant mothers, they really need more support in terms of counseling, while children need special attention during this period. “Wamala said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that disaster victims receive Psychological First Aid (PFA) within 72 hours to mitigate acute stress and prevent escalating emotional distress. Unfortunately, this vital support was lacking in the immediate response to the Kiteezi tragedy.
On August 10, a huge pile of garbage collapsed leaving 35 people dead, 28 still missing and 372 people displaced. They are now housed at Kiteezi Church of Uganda Primary Schools playground.
Currently, the Uganda Red Cross Society reports that 372 people are at the emergency shelter, with most being women with 134, 161 children and 77 being men, which is exacerbating the situation daily, particularly regarding utilities.
