Page 19 - Jan-March 2024 Edition

|Charity Feature THE MBUYU

BY LEAH MAKANDA
IMAGES BY THE MBUYU FOUNDATION FOUNDATION

Dick & Rosie Stockley

THE MBUYU FOUNDATION WORKS IN KATANGA SLUM TO BRING
LIFE, HOPE AND HEALING TO THE MOST VULNERABLE.

It was started by my husband, Dr Rob It is because of these challenges, and also
Makanda & myself (Leah Makanda), after the strong sense of community, that before
we both had individual experiences in we started any of our programs we
Katanga and had developed a heart for the decided to do a needs assessment.
people there.
Katanga is considered as an Urban slum So while The Mbuyu Foundation was
and is situated on a flood plain right officially registered in 2016, we did not
between Makerere University and Mulago begin any programs until 2018 in Katanga
regional referral hospital. after we spent time sitting and interviewing
As of the last censors, some years ago now, hundreds of families throughout Katanga –
Katanga was home to more than 20,000 to hear what they wanted and what they
people who live in mud, wood or brick felt was needed for their community.
homes (or a room as you’d really call it)
Water channels weave throughout Katanga, Our programs flow from what they wanted.
often alongside open sewage, often Five years down the track we have many
stagnant through dry seasons, until heavy programs and have learnt a great deal, as
rains come and flooding occurs. Those who we endeavor to empower people with the
live on the bottom side of Katanga deal with skills needed to break the cycle of poverty
regular flooding during the wet seasons. and to change the destinies of their family.
While there is a lot of challenges and crime
for the people who live there – there is also At Mbuyu we aim to impact the whole
a great sense of community. family, so every program stems from our

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