By David Omoding
KIBUKU DISTRICT
A family of a person living with albinism in Kibuku district is stranded without shelter, or food after an unidentified arsonist burnt down their only grass thatched house.
Gabriel Kaligo 46 and his wife Jessica Nanzala 41, residents of Nalubembe 1 village, Kibuku sub county, are in a deplorable situation following the Saturday 29th May 2021 fire that burnt all their household properties.
The inferno which burnt everything also left the family savings of Shs50.000 cash in ashes.
The couple is blessed with five biological children between the ages of 15, and 1 with the first born being a P.6 pupil at Nalubembe government aided primary school.
Narrating his ordeal at his home, Kaligo who has strayed from home, to the bush, where he ponders the next move said he was not at home at the time of the incident.
‘’I learnt of this unfortunate incident through my wife while returning from Merikit in Tororo District where I had gone to attend a free medical camp for persons living with albinism,’’ he said as he wiped off tears freely rolling down his eyes.
He said he thought may be the children had accidentally torched the house, but his suspicion was allayed by his wife who told him that she was in the swamp with all the children.
The family of seven has been living in one grass-thatched hut but currently have no option than enduring cold and rainy nights under a tree.
The children that include Edinansi Kayendeke,12, Kose Bitu,9, Musirike Asanasi,6, Margret Naikesa,4, and Kolostica Baluka 1, are squeezed in small kitchen without a door.
Besides his family, Kaligo is also taking care of Edinansi Kayendeke his 80-year-old widowed mother alongside 3 other children of his brothers.
‘’My days are now numbered, my son has been giving me food daily now I sleep on empty stomach, Kayendeke who says she’s not a beneficiary of 25,000 senior citizens’ grant from government laments.
Ms. Nanzala who breastfeeds her one-year child says her family is facing acute starvation that she fears might lead to death if no one comes to their rescue.
However, a Good Samaritan has initiated a fundraising campaign to raise funds to provide the suffering family with a simple shelter.
The Assistant Town Clerk of Kibuku Town Council also Director of Hope Union of Persons with Albinism (HUPA) in North Bukedi, Mr. Emmanuel Mutema also an albino has offered to take lead under humanitarian campaign to mobilize funds from well-wishers to put up a small house for victims.
‘’I want to take this opportunity to call upon all well-wishers whereever they are to join me as we mobilize funds and resources to help this family get out from the calamity that befell them,’’ Mutema said on Monday.
Mr. Mutema said he is looking for about Shs5 million to construct a simple 3 roomed house for the family.
To channel support contact him on 0774348440/0703348440 or Email mutemaemma@gmail.com.
Patrick Mweru the LC 1 chairperson said the family needs urgent support as they have been abandoned by relatives because of albinism.
Matia Mujaasi, a neighbor said he and other residents will offer free labor.
Mr. Nakeba Muhammad the district chairperson elect, said he will follow up the incident to establish the root cause of the matter.
RDC Kibuku, Kikomeko Mwanamoiza says she wasn’t aware of the incident but pledged full support through the district disaster response committee.
He cautioned residents to desist from mistreating people living with albinism.
