The Ruparelia Foundation has donated food items and mattresses to vulnerable women and children in Kamwokya as part of its annual Christmas outreach to communities living in urban slums.
The initiative, which is part of the Ruparelia Group’s corporate social responsibility, also benefited residents of Kisenyi II and Mulago Nsooba. Every year, the group reaches out to informal settlements around Kampala with food relief, bedding, and hygiene support.
Speaking during the handover, Sheena Ruparelia, one of the directors of Ruparelia Group, said the family remains committed to supporting people in need, especially those living in informal settlements.
“As a family, it is our dream to support people who are in need. The support is geared towards continuing the work started by the late Rajiv Ruparelia who identified these slums and made it his mission to ensure that they are supported,” Sheena said.
She added that the annual outreach goes beyond food donations.
“Every year we make sure such communities are supported. We do not only give food items. We make sure the hygiene of these communities is improved,” she said.
As part of this year’s drive, the foundation unveiled a new toilet facility in Mulago Nsooba. The facility will be used by both the neighbouring Good Samaritan Primary School and residents of the area, many of whom have long struggled with poor sanitation.
Noah Kisira, the head teacher of Good Samaritan Primary School, praised the Ruparelia Foundation for prioritising hygiene.
“We have been experiencing poor hygiene due to the lack of toilets where people can relieve themselves. This facility will help many children and the wider community. We are grateful,” he said.
Patrick Mujuzi, the founder of Ghetto Research Lab, also hailed the Ruparelia Foundation. He said he approached the group for support five years ago after witnessing the daily struggles of people living in the ghetto.
“We go through a lot as people from the ghetto, including unemployment, poverty and a lack of basic resources. We are proud of the Ruparelia Group for always supporting us,” Mujuzi said.
The foundation said it will continue working with community leaders to identify gaps in sanitation, food security and welfare in some of Kampala’s most vulnerable areas.
