In May 2024, the lowlands of Kanyogoga Zone in the Namuwongo informal settlement experienced unprecedented flooding. What had previously been considered the worst rains during the COVID-19 era now seemed mild compared to the deluge that left the area uninhabitable. Homes were submerged, and countless families were forced to relocate.

Among those affected was Kampire Jacinta, a stay-at-home mother of five. Lacking the financial means to secure better housing, Jacinta relied on growing yams in a nearby swamp to sustain her family. However, the flooding destroyed her crops, eliminating her only source of income. Her husband, Everest, worked tirelessly at both day and night jobs, but his income was insufficient to cover the family's needs, especially with his day job withholding pay for five consecutive months.

The gravity of their situation came to light when Everest was found walking along the railway line, murmuring in distress. When approached by Sarah, a staff member from EASE, he shared his worries: “I fear for my family every time I leave home. Where will we go? How will we survive?” Their one-room house was inundated, forcing the family to elevate their belongings and crowd onto a single bed to avoid the rising water. The strain was taking a toll on Everest’s mental health, while Jacinta and the children faced mounting risks to their safety and well-being.

Through the EASE Eco-Related Rescue Program, Jacinta and her family were relocated to a safer, larger space, with rent covered for three months. This intervention provided them much-needed stability during the crisis. A neighbor, who had relocated at the onset of the floods, remarked, “You cannot imagine the impact you’ve created by helping this family.”

EASE’s ERR Program continues to light the way for families in dire circumstances. To extend this support to others in need, consider contributing to our cause.