Arua One flags off campaign to aid Rhino Camp refugees

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Arua One FM, a station owned by Vision Group, has flagged off a donation drive aimed at supporting displaced communities in the Wanguru Siripi Zone of Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in West Nile.

The humanitarian campaign, which ran for over a month and a half, mobilised listeners and well-wishers to donate essential items such as clothing, detergents, sanitary pads, and school supplies.

Arua RCC Salim kumakech in suit and religious leaders flagging off the donated items to Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. (Photo by John Paul Opio)

These contributions were personally delivered by the station's staff to the settlement.

The flag-off ceremony took place at Arua One FM's premises and attracted different partners, including: Tazimond Foundation, World Action Fund, churches, mosques, the Office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Arua, and the Office of the Prime Minister.

After the launch, Arua One staff and different partners proceeded to Rhino Camp to distribute an assortment of items to the beneficiaries.

Several dignitaries graced the launch, including the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Salim Kumakech, plus religious leaders from the Catholic, Anglican, and Muslim faiths.

Several stakeholders commended Arua One FM for what they described as a commitment to humanitarian service.

Grace Lekuru Station manager Arua one FM speaking during the flag-off ceremony. (Photo by John Paul Opio)

Grace Lekuru, Station Manager of Arua One FM, said the initiative aligns with Vision Group’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility activities to support refugees every June.

She expressed gratitude to various institutions and religious bodies that joined hands to mobilise donations.

“We are proud to be part of this noble cause. The unity shown by different sectors in supporting refugees is truly inspiring,” she said.

Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, one of the largest settlements in West Nile, has over 155,000 refugees primarily from South Sudan. Almost 60% of the population is children.

Abdulaziz Khassim Amin Kuru, Deputy Kadhi, Arua District, speaking during the flag-off ceremony. (Photo by John Paul Opio)

Salim Kumakech, RCC for Arua City, praised the station for setting a positive example “I commend Ugandans for their generous hearts. I encourage other institutions to follow Arua One FM’s example in supporting the needy.”

Rev. Fr. Joel Anguyo, Chancellor of Arua Catholic Diocese, who represented the Bishop, applauded the station for living up to the Church’s mission “We thank Arua One FM for promoting the shared mission of the Church and the government to support humanity.” Anguyo said.

Nasser Geoffrey, Diocesan Secretary of Madi-West Nile Diocese, and Abdulaziz Khassim Amin Kuru, Deputy Kadhi of Arua Muslim District, also appreciated the gesture “Refugees in Uganda should feel at home. You are not alone,” said Kuru.

Arua RCC Salim kumakech in suit and religious leaders flagging off the donated items to Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. (Photo by John Paul Opio)

Jena Toma, Deputy Refugee Desk Officer in Arua, welcomed the support, citing ongoing funding challenges in refugee settlements. “This donation comes at a crucial time when refugee programs face global funding shortages. Arua One FM’s support is deeply appreciated.”

This is not the first time Arua One FM and Vision Group have supported refugee initiatives. The station has previously implemented refugee-led projects and continues to amplify refugee voices through special programming.