(Kabale) – Miss Uganda Natasha Nyonyozi has announced her commitment to renovate the Cultural and Development Centre for People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) located in Kikungiri Ward, Southern Division of Kabale Municipality. This center has been home to over 50 individuals with special needs for more than 30 years and is in urgent need of repair due to its deteriorating condition.
During her recent visit to the center, Nyonyozi provided encouragement to the residents and distributed essential supplies, including sanitary towels, diapers, sugar, maize flour, and soap. The center’s poor state, characterized by a damaged roof, crumbling floors, and unsafe ceilings, deeply affected her, prompting her decision to take action.
In addition to the renovations, Ms. Nyonyozi pledged to install a large water tank to enhance living conditions for the residents. Her initiative has been met with appreciation from local leaders and residents alike.
Eunice Ndyamuhakyi, the LC5 councilor representing PWDs, expressed gratitude for Nyonyozi’s efforts, stating, “As PWDs, we have been appealing to the government and our leaders for years to address the dire state of this home.” This sentiment was echoed by Mary Tindibasa, the center’s resident chairperson, and Eli Nathan Kanyarujju, councilor for PWDs in Kabale Municipality, who highlighted further challenges facing the center. These include limited land for subsistence farming, inadequate educational support for children, and a lack of basic necessities.
They commended Nyonyozi for her compassion and generous donations, noting that such support from leaders is rare. “Our leaders come for votes, but once elected, they seldom return. It’s disheartening,” Tindibasa and Kanyarujju remarked, indicating a growing frustration with the long-standing neglect of the center.
Eunice Orishaba, a representative for PWDs in Kabale Municipality, called on the government to grant the center’s residents a land title, as there have been past threats to reclaim the property. “We’ve established small businesses here, but without secure land rights, our future is uncertain,” Orishaba stated, urging government intervention.
Additionally, she appealed to Miss Uganda to advocate for employment opportunities for PWDs, emphasizing that many residents possess qualifications suitable for office work.
Nyonyozi is currently in Kabale for her homecoming and thanksgiving celebration, scheduled for October 26 in Kyonyo, Kamuganguzi.
