By: Hellen Namale and Derrick Senyonga

KITEEZI

The Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Lillian Aber has closed the Kiteezi camp site that acted as a temporary shelter accommodating victims of the landfill disaster of August 10th, 2024.

The camp site has for the last two months been home to some 171 households.

Hon. Dr. Lilian Abel (centre), Minister of State for Relief Disaster Preparedness and Refugees presiding over a the meeting on the Kiteezi Camp Closure

Earlier, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Hon. Minsa Kabanda, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Dunstan Balaba, represented the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, to officially decommission the Kiteezi camp. Hon. Kabanda gave the families at the camp one week to prepare to vacate the site.

Each of the families was given Shillings 2m by Hon. Minsa on behalf of Government of Uganda, to assist them resettle to safer areas away from the dangers posed by the landfill.

On Friday, Hon. Aber gave out a comprehensive relief package including essential items such as sugar, posho, cooking oil, beans and blankets, aimed at alleviating the suffering of those affected and to support their transition.

In her address, the Minister conveyed a message of sympathy from the President and called on their patience as government processes the compensation and support for the landlords. She acknowledged the resilience of the community of the last two months, and urged landlords to accept the food aid being provided.

“The issue with landlords requires careful evaluation. Surveys are currently being conducted to address specific concerns. I want to reassure the landlords that their issues will be resolved and I encourage you to trust Government in this process”, Aber stated.

Hon. Dr. Lillian Aber Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees sharing a light moment with pupils of Kiteezi C.O.U which hosted the IDP Camp

Additionally, she promised to engage with the Minister of Health to request for mosquito nets for residents, aiming to mitigate the spread of malaria due to water logging.

“When I go back to Office, I will engage with the Minister of Health to provide mosquito nets to you so that we can stop the spread of malaria due to water logging,” she said.

The Local Council Chairperson, Geoffrey Zzake raised concerns about health risks from water logging in the area, exacerbating malaria outbreaks. He urged for urgent support, particularly mosquito nets, to protect the community.

The Head teacher of the C.O.U Primary School, Olive Nandawula, requested for assistance from Government to have five of their classrooms in poor condition repaired.

Minister Aber responded by pledging a donation of 350 iron sheets to the Primary School that helped accommodate the temporary camp for the last two months. She also pledged Shs 500,000 to the teachers of the school.

Ends