Vulnerable groups, including Mapeera Bakateyamba Home and Sanyu Babies Home, have expressed concern over the impact of the ongoing Ebola threat on their operations.
The institutions, which provide shelter and care for the elderly, orphaned children, abandoned babies and other vulnerable people, say they have experienced a significant decline in both financial and material support since the government announced measures to contain the disease.
Speaking while receiving donations of food items, domestic supplies and undisclosed financial support from St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende (SMASK), Sister Annie-Jolly Namugga of Mapeera Bakateyamba Home said the situation has become increasingly difficult.
She explained that many of the home’s regular donors are well-wishers from outside Uganda who have been unable to travel because of concerns related to Ebola.
“This home survives entirely on support from individuals and organisations. We do not receive government funding,” Sister Namugga said.
She thanked SMASK proprietor Dr Lawrence Mulindwa for extending support to the institution despite the many vulnerable groups that also need assistance.
“There are many vulnerable people who would benefit from this support, but we are grateful that we have been considered. We thank St Mary’s Kitende as it prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary,” she said.
At Sanyu Babies Home, social worker Matia Kakooza said the orphanage is also facing challenges due to reduced support from donors.
Sanyu Babies Home, which has existed for 98 years and is one of Uganda’s oldest orphanages, continues to receive abandoned babies from different parts of the country despite the difficult circumstances.
Kakooza commended individuals and organisations that have continued to visit and support the home despite fears surrounding Ebola.
He also appealed to the public to consider adopting children.
“The number of children ready to be placed in families has increased, yet our capacity is limited. We encourage people who are interested in adoption to come forward and give these children loving homes,” Kakooza said.
Meanwhile, St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende is marking its 25 years of existence through a series of corporate social responsibility activities aimed at supporting vulnerable communities.
So far, the school has extended support to seven beneficiaries, including Kitende Primary School, Kajjansi Health Centre IV, residents of Kajjansi Line slum and elderly members of the Kitende community.
The deputy executive director of SMASK, Clare Mulindwa, who represented Dr Lawrence Mulindwa, said the school considered it important to celebrate its silver jubilee by giving back to society.
“When celebrating such a major milestone, it is important to support vulnerable people in our communities. That is why the school is undertaking these corporate social responsibility activities,” she said.
She noted that Dr Mulindwa has over the years supported numerous individuals and organisations across the country.
“I would like to thank all the caregivers who dedicate their lives to looking after vulnerable people. It is not an easy task. It requires sacrifice and commitment,” she added.
Mulindwa said the school’s 25th anniversary celebrations, scheduled for July 4, will also provide an opportunity to reflect on its achievements over the years.
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