MAKERERE – Makerere University, Monday dispatched a team of 100 people from the university community to offer support to survivors of the landslide tragedy in Bududa district.
The landslides that happened last week killed over 40.
Addressing journalists, Dr Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, the Makerere University Academic Staff Association Chairman said that the team comprised of students and staff will help to distribute relief items to the victims which will be collected from the University students, alumni and staff.
He rallied the university community of over 60,000 people to contribute to people in landslides prone areas.
During the weeklong social action, according to Dr Kamunyu, the team will welcome all items including rice, millet, cassava, sugar, cooking Oil and several others.
“We are of the view that those with money can convert it into the above items. Money is hard to handle here at home and in Bududa,” he said.
He added that they have also put up a collection centre for all items and they also have a full-time Volunteer who will be receiving items and registering them.
“Members of the community can also deliver items anytime between 10 and 5 O’clock every day. Volunteers can also collect items at their respective Colleges as the Team Leader may advise and then drop them off every day. Team Leaders/MUASA College Representatives are in charge of this exercise.
The campaign has been launched a day after President Museveni who on Sunday visited Bukalasi sub-county, the scene of the deadly landslides in Bududa district, and ordered for the immediate relocation of all residents living in the risky mountainous area to safer places.
The President, who apologized to the families of the dead that have so far reached 42, blamed some politicians for misleading him about the resettlement plan.
“I apologise for delaying but now, we are going to relocate you as soon as possible. I was misled by some of your leaders but now relocating people is no longer a debate,” he said at Bukalasi grounds.
“In 2010, I told you to relocate but you thought I was telling lies. I think you know that I was talking the truth now and everybody has agreed to be relocated,” he added.
