A team from Nation Media Group-Uganda (NMG-U), led by Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa, visited the Kiteezi landfill in Wakiso District to assess the aftermath of the recent disaster and offer support to the affected individuals. The tragic incident occurred on August 10, when a massive garbage pile collapsed, resulting in 35 fatalities, 28 missing persons, and 372 displaced individuals now sheltering at Kiteezi Church of Uganda Primary School’s playground.
Ms. Nsibirwa praised the collaborative efforts of various teams that have come together to address the urgent needs of the displaced persons. She highlighted Nation Media Group’s role in bringing attention to the plight of the victims, which has prompted significant public support.
“As Nation Media Group, we’ve done a commendable job in telling the stories and shedding light on the suffering of the people. It’s heartening to see that the public has responded generously to this cause,” Ms. Nsibirwa remarked.
However, she pointed out the critical need for specialized nutrition for the babies and lactating mothers in the emergency shelters. “As a company, we are committed to exploring how we can contribute to improving nutrition for the babies and lactating mothers. We will work to identify and provide for the specific needs of these vulnerable children,” she added.
Ms. Nsibirwa also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Uganda Red Cross and the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning to prevent such man-made disasters in the future. “This disaster has awakened our national conscience. It’s imperative that we plan ahead to avoid such tragedies, as there are solutions to these problems,” she noted.
John Cliff Wamala, the Communication and Media Relations Officer at Uganda Red Cross Society, underscored the ongoing needs at the emergency shelters. He highlighted the importance of psychological support for the 372 displaced individuals, including 161 children and 132 women. “These children require special attention, including psychosocial support and toys to aid their mental health. Our volunteers have been engaging them in traditional games, but we recognize the need for more resources like toys and highly nutritious foods,” Mr. Wamala explained.
He also mentioned the presence of 15 lactating mothers on site who require special care, emphasizing the need for highly nutritious foods and snacks to support the children throughout the day.
Godfrey Luyombya, the Speaker of Nakawa Division in Kampala, spoke about the mobilization efforts through the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to provide assistance to the affected individuals. “We have organized ourselves as a team to extend support to those in need. We’ve provided food and clothing for all ages to meet their basic needs,” Mr. Luyombya stated.
Meanwhile, the police have instructed the registration committee to re-verify the list of missing persons to ensure accurate records and continue the search for those still unaccounted for.