ESUGA donates food to Jinja community ahead of Christmas

Jinja: On December 23, 2024, Elderly Support Uganda (ESUGA), a non-governmental organization, made a donation to the Loco village community in Jinja’s Southern Division.

The donation, which included food and other essentials, was made in response to a request from the area’s chairman, Wandega Boniface, due to the poor living conditions faced by residents of the area.

Loco village, once home to Uganda Railway workers, has now become a rental community, with residents paying 20,000 shillings per month for the houses.

Many of the people in the area struggle with poor health, inadequate access to government services, and persistent diseases, including malaria and bilharzia. The village’s proximity to Lake Victoria makes it particularly vulnerable to these health challenges.

Dr. Muyingo Rajab Idd, the Executive Director of ESUGA, explained that the donations were intended to offer relief to the vulnerable community members during the festive season.

He highlighted that many residents in Loco village face serious hardships, which include limited access to healthcare and essential services.

The community’s struggle with diseases like malaria and bilharzia is exacerbated by the proximity to the lake, which leads to high mosquito populations.

ESUGA’s mission, according to Dr. Idd, extends beyond food donations. The organization is committed to promoting sustainability, addressing environmental issues, and offering skills training to help communities improve their livelihoods.

The donation in Loco village was part of a broader effort to support underprivileged communities, with the selection of the area informed by a survey conducted during a Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) activity, which found Loco village to be among the most vulnerable areas.

During the event, Kakaire Hussein, the Chairman of the General Assembly at ESUGA, urged the community to support vulnerable members, especially the elderly and those living in extreme poverty.

He emphasized the importance of coming together as a community to take responsibility for the well-being of its members, particularly during the festive season.

Nakito Lailah, who heads the guidance and counseling department at ESUGA, also addressed the crowd, urging elderly members to seek support when facing challenges and stressing the importance of living stress-free lives for long-term health.

She discussed issues like land grabbing and family problems, offering ESUGA’s help in providing solutions and counseling services.

However, Chairman Wandega Boniface voiced concerns over the community’s continued economic struggles. Many residents have lost their jobs due to the closure of factories, and local fishermen frequently face arrests from Lake Victoria’s fishing authorities. These issues have compounded the difficulties the community faces. Boniface further criticized the lack of a vocational training institute in the area, despite previous requests.

The community in Loco village faces several pressing challenges: Insecurity and poor living conditions: The area struggles with high levels of insecurity, poor health, hygiene, and inadequate sanitation facilities.

A block of toilets donated by a non-governmental organization serves over 100 people, contributing to the spread of diseases like cholera.

Bilharzia and malaria are widespread due to the village’s location near wetlands. Over 2,000 residents are affected by these diseases, and the local hospital is overwhelmed with patients.

A community member, Sekkiti Idd, highlighted the difficulty in accessing cancer screening. He was asked to pay 300,000 shillings for transportation to the cancer institute in Kampala, a cost that many in the community cannot afford.

Nakato Rose, another community member, shared that many residents suffer from vision problems, adding to the health burdens of the area.

While the community expressed gratitude for ESUGA’s timely intervention, many residents have appealed for more local leadership involvement and better planning to address their basic needs. They believe that more resources and support are necessary to improve their living conditions.

The donations from ESUGA have been greatly appreciated, but concerns remain regarding the long-term sustainability of support for Loco village. Wandega Boniface and other community leaders have called for increased attention from both local and national leaders to provide lasting solutions, including vocational training, better healthcare services, and improved infrastructure.

The community in Loco village, which primarily comprises people engaged in small businesses or self-employment, continues to face significant challenges.

Many of the residents, including those from neighboring East African countries, hope that ongoing support from organizations like ESUGA, alongside local government intervention, will help alleviate their hardships in the coming years.

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