Woman MP starts children’s project
Dec 23, 2006
THE Government is concerned by the increasing number of street children in Kampala.
By Maria Nakitto
and Rehema Aanyu
THE Government is concerned by the increasing number of street children in Kampala.
Gender minister Syda Bbumba on Thursday said: “It is a growing concern for the Government that there has been an astonishing influx of street children and families on the streets of Kampala.â€
She was officiating at the launch of Kampala Woman MP Nabilah Sempala’s food pantry and children care centre in Nakivubo. Sempala had earlier claimed that Karamoja politicians were behind the influx.
She blamed them for transporting the children and families to the city.
“The ministry is carrying out investigations into these perturbing matters,†Bbumba revealed.
She also revealed that the Government was working hand-in-hand with the donor community and several charities to curb the influx of the Karimojong families before it gets out of hand.
Sempala said her initiative was inspired by the urgent need to address the high number of street children and disadvantaged people in the city.
“It is our concern as leaders to address these issues,†she stated.
The centre is aimed at providing food, education, clothing and shelter to street children, the elderly and orphans.
“Our target is to assist over 4,000 disadvantaged people living in Kampala district, especially the physically handicapped. They will receive medical care, counselling, rehabilitation and referrals to other charity organisations,†Sempala said.
She appealed to religious leaders, the businesses community, civil societies and individuals to provide non-perishable food items and other necessities to the centre. Present was Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebaggala.
and Rehema Aanyu
THE Government is concerned by the increasing number of street children in Kampala.
Gender minister Syda Bbumba on Thursday said: “It is a growing concern for the Government that there has been an astonishing influx of street children and families on the streets of Kampala.â€
She was officiating at the launch of Kampala Woman MP Nabilah Sempala’s food pantry and children care centre in Nakivubo. Sempala had earlier claimed that Karamoja politicians were behind the influx.
She blamed them for transporting the children and families to the city.
“The ministry is carrying out investigations into these perturbing matters,†Bbumba revealed.
She also revealed that the Government was working hand-in-hand with the donor community and several charities to curb the influx of the Karimojong families before it gets out of hand.
Sempala said her initiative was inspired by the urgent need to address the high number of street children and disadvantaged people in the city.
“It is our concern as leaders to address these issues,†she stated.
The centre is aimed at providing food, education, clothing and shelter to street children, the elderly and orphans.
“Our target is to assist over 4,000 disadvantaged people living in Kampala district, especially the physically handicapped. They will receive medical care, counselling, rehabilitation and referrals to other charity organisations,†Sempala said.
She appealed to religious leaders, the businesses community, civil societies and individuals to provide non-perishable food items and other necessities to the centre. Present was Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebaggala.