GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS

Kenya on Saturday extended humanitarian support to the landslide victims in Uganda.

Following President Mwai Kibaki’s directive, the Kenya Government made an initial contribution of 700 bags of maize, 600 bags of rice, 400 bags of beans and 556 cartons of vegetable oil. The total consignment of 123 metric tones is worth Sh13.5 million.

The President further directed that the foodstuff be channeled through the Western Provincial Commissioner who will liaise with his Ugandan counterpart and handover the consignment for distribution to the landslide victims.

It is estimated that the foodstuff donation by the Kenya Government to the landslide victims in Uganda can feed over 5,000 for a period of two months.

The President on Thursday sent a message of condolence to the Government and people of the Republic of Uganda following the massive landslide that occurred in Bududa District.

In his message to President Yoweri Museveni, President Kibaki said that he had learnt with deep shock and sadness of the massive landslide which caused the deaths of more than one hundred people, with about 300 still missing and scores of others being displaced in Eastern Uganda.

President Kibaki said: “On behalf of the Government and People of Kenya and on my own behalf, I convey to Your Excellency and through you to the bereaved families our deep and sincere condolences following this tragic incidence.”

In this regard, President Kibaki directed the Western Provincial Commissioner and Kenya’s Disaster Management Team to liaise with the Ugandan rescue team and to augment humanitarian assistance to the survivors.

The Head of State assured the People of Uganda Kenyans grieved with them and prayed that the ongoing search and recovery efforts shall yield more survivors.

President Kibaki affirmed in the message: “Excellency, to augment your search and rescue efforts, I wish to assure you that every possible assistance from our side shall be placed at your disposal."