Residents of the area known as Kikaramoja in Katwe Zone, Makindye Division, are living in a state of despair as they grapple with the threat of waterborne diseases. This area, known as Kikaramoja, is predominantly inhabited by individuals from the Karamoja region, including young mothers, teenage girls, and men struggling to make a living in Kampala city, yet their living conditions are deplorable.
Â
A woman who serves as a leader for the women in Kikaramoja revealed that their most pressing challenge is the lack of toilet facilities. She explained that they are forced to relieve themselves in the open, and even when bathing, they do so outside in the dark, often being watched by men, a situation that also contributes to unwanted pregnancies.
Â
A young girl living in Kikaramoja made a passionate appeal to the government. She pleaded for the construction of decent, permanent housing and access to clean water to help them combat the rampant diseases.
Â
Further compounding the issues in this community is the problem of early childbirth. It is common to find girls giving birth at very young ages, such as 10, 12, or 15 years old. Tragically, they often go through these experiences without any support or proper medical care.
Â
This dire situation has attracted the attention of the Rescue Women Foundation, based in Namusera, Wakiso District. In collaboration with the Africa Rising Initiative from America, they have reached out to support the people of Kikaramoja, providing them with delivery kits and other basic health necessities.
Â
Miriam Kiwummulo, the head of Rescue Women Foundation, spoke about the conditions she witnessed. She emphasized that the people in Kikaramoja are in desperate need of more assistance than what has so far been delivered to them.
Â
Â
The youth living in the area have also voiced their frustrations about the numerous challenges they face.
Â
Upon visiting Kikaramoja, one is met with makeshift shelters made of mud and tarpaulins, which serve as their homes. In response to these appalling conditions, Ted Anderson from the Africa Raising Initiative has committed to continuing support for the residents.
Â
