At midnight on Sunday, evictions began of the Namuwongo community affecting all houses and businesses that are situated 30 meters either side of the railway line which cuts through the informal settlement. Very little notice was given and no compensation. Efforts by local leaders and community organisations to halt the evictions and give residents more time to rehouse failed. By the end of this campaign we anticipate that around 50% of the Namuwongo informal settlement will be demolished leaving thousands homeless.
Many of the families supported by Uganda Hands for Hope have seen their homes destroyed. Most of our families are unable to afford the three months rent required for a new one-roomed home or for transport to go back to families in their village and are currently sleeping out in the open with their belongings.
Today our classrooms are quiet and sombre, with many children not in attendance and some telling stories of "tractors" coming in the night and knocking down their homes; something that no four year old should witness.
The current situation in the community is one of chaos and despair. We are working hard to try and assess the impact on our children and families and to see what we can do to support.
We are setting up an emergency appeal and would like to ask for your help. Just a small donation can go a long way in helping families to get back on their feet. Any money we raise we will go directly to helping families rebuild their lives, whether that's through emergency rent payments or grants to rebuild a business.
You can donate safely and easily to our PayPal account, click here
Any support you can give will be very much appreciated.
Thanks and best wishes
Jenny Willmott
Administrator
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