The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has urged the government to expedite the resettlement of victims who were affected by the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill.
The affected residents have sought shelter in tents that have been erected at Kiteezi Church of Uganda Primary School playgrounds. According to the Uganda Red Cross Society, 328 victims from 35 families are sheltered in this camp.
At a service for the victims held on Monday at Kiteezi Church of Uganda primary school playgrounds, Archbishop Mugalu emphasized the importance of relocating the victims promptly. He said that the prolonged stay in the camp poses significant challenges, which could include disease outbreaks.
“Government should be now putting up good plans to help these people, yes, the process is going on, but it should be quick. These people have been having homes, let them be resettled to a decent place for their lives, but also allowing those whose houses were not destroyed to go and pick in some of their properties,” Kazimba said.
He has further called on the government to equip and strengthen its response to disasters.
“A lot of work has to be done especially in the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, to save lives in such situations. Rescue equipment and personnel are more needed to be equipped and ready for these situations because they have not stopped.” Kazimba said.
The Archbishop has also urged the government to heed warnings from technical experts and bodies to prevent similar disasters.
Meanwhile, rescue teams are working to recover the bodies of those believed to be trapped under the rubble. Police have so far recovered at least 35 bodies
