UGANDA, Kumi | Real Muloodi News | To improve the living conditions of slum dwellers in Kampala City and Kumi District, the Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, has launched a five-year project targeting 10,000 individuals.
The slum dwellers primarily reside in the Kampala suburbs of Kisenyi, Kamwokya, Mutungo-Bbiina, and other areas in Kumi District.
The project, called “Home Equals,” was initiated by Habitat for Humanity Uganda (HFHU), a non-governmental organisation that aims to address issues related to sanitation, access to water, and land tenure security.
A pilot study conducted in selected zones of Kampala Central, Kawempe, and Nakawa divisions revealed that slum dwellers face significant challenges in accessing basic services such as clean water and safe sanitation facilities.
Recognising the importance of a safe and sanitary living environment, Minister Nabakooba expressed her full support for HFHU’s campaign during the launch event held at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala.
She assured the organisation of her ministry’s assistance and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated effort.
“Count on my ministry for the necessary support. Even if it means contacting the respective stakeholders, we will be ready to help you so that we work as a team in a more coordinated way,” she said.
Minister Nabakooba emphasised that the government recognises the significance of a home as the starting point for personal development and the achievement of dreams.
“It is in a home that we start to see the world and venture our dreams. As the government, we have put a lot of focus on a home as the best starting point for all our interventions,” she said.
Efforts are being made to improve sanitation in densely populated slum areas. She highlighted the collaboration between entities such as Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), and Water for the People in constructing public toilets. This collaborative approach serves as a testament to the importance of working together to address the challenges faced by slum dwellers.
While acknowledging the importance of improving housing conditions, Minister Nabakooba urged HFHU to consider the broader aspects of social and economic development in their campaign.
She emphasised that households in slum areas also require support for their economic well-being. The government has implemented programs that aim to uplift households, and she encouraged HFHU to collaborate with these initiatives.
In addition to improving housing, it is crucial to empower slum dwellers and provide opportunities for social and economic growth.
Robert Otim, the national director of HFHU, outlined the organisation’s plans for the campaign. Following the initial five-year period focused on the target areas, the project aims to expand to other regions of Uganda.
Otim highlighted the housing crisis in the country, with many young people leaving their homes in search of employment opportunities and settling for affordable housing in city centres. This trend has left some of the homes built by HFHU vacant, underscoring the need for comprehensive efforts to address housing issues nationwide.
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