Turkey gives aid, food to people with disabilities in Uganda

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) – Turkey’s ambassador to Uganda on Wednesday donated foodstuffs to people with various forms of disabilities in the capital Kampala.

Kerem Alp said Turkey supports those who seem to be neglected in societies, adding that the embassy’s agenda is to help them so they can actively and meaningfully participate in community development.

“Our goal is to assist the less-privileged Ugandan people in as many ways as we can. There are several projects implemented by the Turkish government through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), providing skills and tools to women to enable them start their tailoring businesses and come out of poverty,” the ambassador told the aid distribution ceremony.

Besides government projects, there are personal contributions made by the Turkish people through humanitarian organizations operating in Uganda in various sectors.

Various Turkish organizations, including the Foundation for Education and Solidarity (FES), the Association of Friends of All Africa (TAAD), and the Care Foundation, are helping people overcome poverty and unemployment.

The event was also attended by the Pakistani business community in Uganda, which complimented the work of Turkish people.

Yahya Acu, TIKA coordinator in Uganda, said his agency earlier donated wheelchairs to people with disabilities, adding that they also distributed Ramadan food assistance in less-privileged parts of northern Uganda.

Safia Nalule Juuko, a woman member of parliament representing persons with disabilities, said many people are suffering in silence because they cannot afford to buy food, crutches or wheelchairs at a time when economy is hit and incomes are lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.