By Obed Kankiriho
Kisoro District, in a compassionate effort, has distributed more than 1,200 kilograms of maize flour to aid 85 landslide victims across the sub-counties of Muramba, Kanaba, and Chahafi Town Council. The generous donation was made possible by the Salvation Army.
The distribution was efficiently organized and led by Hajji Shaiq Sekandi, the Resident District Commissioner of Kisoro, along with dedicated volunteers from the Uganda Red Cross Society and UOBDU.
Among the recipients were 77 Batwa households from Gitebe and Kagano villages in Kanaba Sub County, 7 households from Mugwata and Kidakama villages in Muramba Sub County, and a single household of a 45-year-old homeless individual, Manirakiza Maria, residing in Gisha village, Chahafi Town Council.
Each household received a tarpaulin and a 20-liter jerry can to further aid their recovery. Additionally, the victim from Chahafi received an extra 10 kilograms of beans.
Addressing the Batwa victims in Kanaba, RDC Hajji Shafiq Sekandi emphasized that the relief provided was the remaining support from previous donations contributed by the Salvation Army, UNHCR, and UNICEF, all of which were dedicated to assisting the landslide and flood victims in Murora Sub County and Chahafi Town Council.
In his speech, he urged the Batwa communities to embrace agricultural practices for their sustenance and ensure that their children attend schools regularly.
The RDC mentioned that he is actively advocating for crop seedlings from non-governmental organizations, and the area MP, Hon. Nsaba Buturo, has pledged to provide hoes to all households, encouraging the Batwa to begin farming activities and become self-reliant.
The Kanaba Sub County Chief also spoke to the Batwa community, urging them to utilize the provided relief wisely and avoid selling any of the essential items. He stressed the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices, starting with the construction of latrines.
The Kagano Batwa shared their challenges in finding food, as those who used to provide them with small jobs in exchange for food are now affected by the recent landslides, which have devastated crops and property.
Similarly, the Batwa from Gitebe expressed their gratitude to the RDC for remembering them as landslide victims, acknowledging that they have been struggling with food and shelter scarcity.
