Police, private firm aid family affected by deadly fire

By Simon Masaba

THREE children whose mother and three siblings perished in a fire last week, have been taken on by Novawood a worldwide company, renowned for wall cladding and floor decking with its regional branch in Uganda.

The intervention of the company, follows a story published by the New Vision last week when the tragedy occurred in Wakiso trading centre, Nama Sub County, Mukono district.

The deceased were identified as Afuwa Nakazibwe, 38 (mother), with her three children aged between two and nine identified as Kulayisi Mubiru, Denis Sserumaga and Hajala Namyala.

At the time of the incident, the three children including Jamil Luyima (seven), in primary four, Shafiq Kizito (six) in primary two and their elder sister Masitula Nankya 20, had slept at their grandmother’s house three kilometers away from their home.

Luyima and Kizito are being taken to Aunt Missionary School along Entebbe Road while Nankya has been offered a job in the company. The duo, previously studied at Kojja Primary School in Mukono district.

The managing director of the company, Gyu-Jae Han who visited the family said they were to train the girl to enable her get the skills to easily work and get a salary.

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Novawood Managing director Gyu-Jae Han hands over the items which included mattresses, blankets and sacks of beans and maize flour to the family. Photo by Abou Kisige

“Novawood is going to educate the two boys and we shall take them through school and ensure their wellbeing,” he added.

Han was accompanied by Police and the company’s general manager, Abbas Sabbra.

They donated three matresses, blankets and food items to their grandfather, Edirisa Nkuba.

“Am delighted by this great gift from God. The Orphans now have school fees, I need nothing more but to thank these messengers (Novawood),” He said.

The Kampala East police boss, Siraje Bakareke said Novawood management approached Police for assistance with a published story from the New Vision and sought guidance.

 “We have accompanied them following their concern. We thank Novawood for their support and call on other companies to always do the same,” he said.

Police in Mukono is still hunting for the suspected arsonist who is said to be their father.

In 2013, the number of homicide cases investigated were 2,326 compared to 1,910 cases in the year 2012. This reflects a 17.8% increase.