Kampala – As the nation takes a fight against the novel coronavirus, several restriction measures have since been instituted to curb the spread of the virus to include: a 42-day lockdown, suspension of private and public transport, among others.
This fight against COVID-19 has left many urban dwellers, mainly youths, jobless with barely a revenue stream to support their young families and dependents.
A thought to support and uplift the community has stroked Kyanja Neighbourhood Watch (KNWS), a local community initiative in a Kampala suburb to take action.
The impact-driven initiative has since delivered foodstuffs and items to over 200 families (as of Friday, July 9) – mostly vulnerable groups, in efforts to support them through this lockdown.
Speaking to our reporter, Duncan Klein Kirunga, the Chairperson of the Kyanja Neighbourhood Watch, intimated that the members mobilized funds and resources to feed the vulnerable residents.
“During this lockdown, the Neighbourhood watch Team has organized its members to feed families in its zonal areas; Kyanja central, Nazareth, Kwata, Walufumbe, Kisaasi central and Katumba,” Kirunga exhibits the impact of the initiative.
He added: “Relating to the biblical approach of being our brother’s keeper, we have been rallying for food items and other basic needs from those who have an extra bag for those that are lacking. Fighting hunger, especially amid this lockdown, has not been part of our previous activities.”
Kirunga revealed that as a community initiative, they needed to deal with a current problem thus channelling resources to accommodate feeding families as one of our core activities for the season.
Background of the Kyanja Neighbourhood Watch
Started in 2017, the local community policing initiative was formed (at that time) to curb insecurity that had rocked Kyanja and the neighbouring communities – increased house break-ins, robbery, machete-wielding goons, vandalisation & theft of vehicles, among others.
The chairman of Kyanja Neighbourhood Watch, Kirunga Duncan, revealed that the team has since boosted the security of the community and now pushing for better livelihood.
“We have partnered with security agencies to do the groundwork and guide in investigations to apprehend culprits and criminals that we leaving residents in fear,” Kirunga said.
The impact has been felt with residents leaving in peace while ensuring the safety of every resident and sharing information across social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, among other forums.
This has supported the existing community and the government security infrastructure such as the Local Councils system at all levels
“We thank all people of Kyanja who have always engaged in this community initiative and support. We still have a lot to do,” Kirunga thanked the members.
He also urged them to continue the good work and challenged each individual to reach out to 1 -5 families and encourage them to support those in need with the little they can share.