IGP sends relief to Namatala residents
Apr 01, 2016
In a function officiated by Mbale RDC, James Shilaku in Muvule Cell on Wednesday, the affected residents received mattresses, blankets, plates, cups, basins, jerry cans, saucepans and cash to help them resettle.
A total of 34 homesteads that lost household property when unknown people torched their houses in Namatala Ward, Mbale municipality in suspected post-election violence have received relief items and cash from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
In a function officiated by Mbale RDC, James Shilaku in Muvule Cell on Wednesday, the affected residents received mattresses, blankets, plates, cups, basins, jerry cans, saucepans and cash to help them resettle.
Handing over the items, Shilaku told residents that every Ugandan has a constitutional right to stay in any part of Uganda adding that Karimojong community that has stayed in Namatala should not be scared as government is committed to deal with whoever commits crime against fellow citizens.
The RDC warned the community against indulging in alcohol and advised them to engaging in productive work to improve their household income.
He promised to look into the losses suffered by landlords of the houses where the affected families were renting but criticized individuals who refused to register when Police intervened in the incident.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Elgon region Police commander Francis Chemusto said one prime suspect was in Police custody to help in investigations while two others were released on Police bond.
Chemusto thanked the IGP, Gen. Kale Kayihura for fulfilling the pledge he made to give relief items worth sh28m to the arson victims who were displaced.
‘The money given to each household is to cater for rent for six months,” Chemusto said.
He warned the beneficiaries especially men against selling off the relief items at the expense of their families, a remark that drew applause from the women and children at the function.
The function was also addressed by Mbale district Woman MP, Connie Nakayenze, Mbale DPC Peter Mugabi, Industrial Division LC 3 chairman-elec,t Charles Wafula and other senior security officers who all condemned post-election violence and stressed the importance of maintaining peace as a prerequisite for development.
What the beneficiaries say
Christine Acheng, mother of seven children.
As residents of Namatala Ward, we appreciate the timely intervention by government through the Inspector General of Police to help the arson affected families especially children who had nowhere to sleep.
Jerome Obella, 78
We have been suffering since our houses were set on fire after the LC 3 elections but we are grateful to the government for coming to our rescue. We hope the suspected arsonists will be brought to book.