By Jumah Kakomo
Nsambya Babies’ Home, a crucial shelter for orphaned and abandoned children in Kampala, has issued a heartfelt appeal for increased support from both development partners and the Ugandan government. The home, which has been caring for vulnerable children for years, is struggling to provide adequate services due to limited resources and insufficient funding.
At a press conference held in Kampala with social corporate responsibility (CRS), an initiative aimed at bringing joy to the children of Nsambya babies home, Flavia Nakasozi, a dedicated social worker at the home, highlighted the growing challenges the team faces in offering care to children in need. Despite the efforts of staff and volunteers, the home’s capacity to deliver quality care is increasingly hindered by a lack of basic resources.
“We are doing our best with what we have, but it’s not enough,” Nakasozi lamented. “We need more support to provide the best care for these children who need it most.”
Nsambya Babies’ Home cares for children who have been abandoned, orphaned, or are at risk due to various social and economic challenges. The facility provides food, medical care, education, and a safe place to call home. However, these essential services require more than what the home can currently provide.
Nakasozi stressed the need for support in several key areas:
- Food and Nutrition: Donations of nutritious food and funding for nutrition programs are urgently needed.
- Healthcare: The home requires assistance with medical care, including vaccinations, treatments, and necessary surgeries.
- Education: Support is needed for educational materials, school fees, and ensuring the children’s continued academic growth.
- Infrastructure: Renovation and expansion of the home’s facilities are necessary to accommodate the growing number of children.
The appeal was reinforced by Killian Lugwe, General Manager of Mestil Hotel, who spent time with the children at the home. Lugwe, along with his team, played, read stories, and donated essential items like clothing, toiletries, rice, and educational materials. He was deeply moved by the children’s resilience and joy despite their difficult circumstances.
“It’s not just about donating money,” Lugwe said. “It’s about spending time, showing them that they matter and they are loved. That is what makes a real difference in their lives.”
Elizabeth Mugisha, a sales account manager at Mestil Hotel, also made an emotional plea to parents to avoid abandoning their children. She shared the heartbreaking stories of children left at the home without any information about their parents.
“Abandoning a child is never the solution,” Mugisha emphasized. “As parents, we must remember our responsibility to protect and care for our children, no matter how tough life gets.”
Mugisha’s appeal highlighted the need for community solidarity to support both families and children, urging society to come together to create a safe and nurturing environment for every child.
Nsambya Babies’ Home remains a beacon of hope for vulnerable children, but the urgent call for increased support is crucial to ensure that these children receive the care, love, and opportunities they deserve.
