Kjong kids starve
Feb 05, 2009
OVER 350 Karimojong children, who were repatriated from Kampala, are starving at Namendera in Katakwi district.
By Olandason Wanyama
OVER 350 Karimojong children, who were repatriated from Kampala, are starving at Namendera in Katakwi district.
The children were returned three months ago by MPs from Karamoja and the Government in a move to clear children off Kampala streets.
Katakwi resident district commissioner Joseph Arwata recently said the children were surviving on shrubs and wild fruits.
He said they were congested in one tent and lacked water, bedding, medical care and sanitary facilities.
Recently, there were unconfirmed reports that about 20 children had died under mysterious circumstances and buried in the bushes, while another three had been killed when they invaded gardens in search of food.
Arwata said district authorities had informed the office of the prime minister about the situation, but no action had been taken.
He appealed to UN humanitarian agencies to intervene and save the children.
Karamoja affairs minister Aston Kajara said the Government was committed to supporting the Karimojong.
OVER 350 Karimojong children, who were repatriated from Kampala, are starving at Namendera in Katakwi district.
The children were returned three months ago by MPs from Karamoja and the Government in a move to clear children off Kampala streets.
Katakwi resident district commissioner Joseph Arwata recently said the children were surviving on shrubs and wild fruits.
He said they were congested in one tent and lacked water, bedding, medical care and sanitary facilities.
Recently, there were unconfirmed reports that about 20 children had died under mysterious circumstances and buried in the bushes, while another three had been killed when they invaded gardens in search of food.
Arwata said district authorities had informed the office of the prime minister about the situation, but no action had been taken.
He appealed to UN humanitarian agencies to intervene and save the children.
Karamoja affairs minister Aston Kajara said the Government was committed to supporting the Karimojong.