BY JOEL KAGUTA
A shelter meant for hosting refugees with disabilities from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been constructed at the Mpondwe border, Mpondwe – Lhubiriha Town Council in Kasese district.
The two- roomed shelter that has been constructed with funding from Malteser International at a tune of shillings 94 million will also house individuals displaced as a result of various challenges.
Speaking during the commissioning exercise that was held on Wednesday, Mr. Josephat Muhindo, the Executive Director for Karambi Group of People with Disabilities hailed the funders for recognizing that the such disadvantaged category of people go through hard situations in their lives.
Muhindo revealed that in June this year, they voluntarily hosted more than 18 Congolese refugees especially those with disabilities in a grass thatched house.
According to him, when some officials from Malteser International visited their offices, they sympathized with the refugees and pledged to mobilize funds for the construction of a permanent shelter to host the refugees in case of any insurgency that would force the people to seek refuge in Uganda.
The function was attended by a number of high profile ranking officials from government including the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga and the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City Authority, Kabuye Kyofatogabye.
The two Ministers hailed Karambi Group of People of Disabilities for supplementing government in advocating for the rights of people with Disabilities.
Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga asked the local leaders to make it a priority that the disadvantaged people benefit from all government programmes.
A Malteser International representative who delivered her presentation live on Zoom asked the public to reflect on the progress that has been made so that People of Disabilities enjoy equal opportunities and dignity. ENDS