English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
By Baker Okello, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese
Taxi operators plying the Lira-Amolatar route have donated Shs580,000 to Ngetta Babies Home in Lira City to support the welfare of 37 infants and children under the facility’s care.
The donation was made on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following a fundraising drive organised by the Amolatar-Lira Taxi Drivers and Conductors Association in partnership with White House Stage, Dokolo-Lira Stage and Uhuru Bar Stage.
The funds are intended to help meet the children’s daily needs, particularly the rising costs of powdered milk and essential utilities.
The contribution highlights the role community partnerships can play in supporting vulnerable children and helping care facilities meet their growing needs.
Taxi Operators Pledge Continued Support
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the chairperson of the Lira-Amolatar Taxi Drivers and Conductors Association, Mr. Okao Kizito, said the support extended to the babies’ home should go beyond the initial donation.
Okao appealed to other well-wishers to join efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable children, emphasising the importance of sustained community involvement.
He pledged that the association would maintain its support for the facility by establishing a lasting partnership between the transport sector and Ngetta Babies Home.
He further revealed that the association plans to sustain the initiative through periodic collections of essential household supplies, clothing and food items from drivers and passengers travelling along the Lira-Amolatar route.
The proposed arrangement is intended to create continued opportunities for transport operators and members of the public to contribute to the children’s welfare.
Babies’ Home Appreciates Community Support
The vice chairperson of the Ngetta Babies Home Board, Bua John Charles, commended the transport operators for their contribution, describing it as a significant sacrifice at a time when many people are facing economic hardships.
Bua also reminded the drivers and conductors of the importance of caring for abandoned and orphaned children, noting that the infants have limited means of repaying those who support them.
His remarks highlighted the value of extending care and compassion to children who depend on others for their basic needs and protection.
Sister Calls for Greater Parental Responsibility
Meanwhile, the in-charge of Ngetta Babies Home, Sister Demmy Frances, called on parents to nurture loving relationships and take responsibility for their children to help prevent abandonment.
Sr. Demmy identified domestic violence and broken relationships as some of the factors contributing to the number of vulnerable infants brought to the facility.
She emphasised that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving family environment rather than in institutional care.
Ngetta Babies Home has previously appealed to the public for assistance, explaining that some infants arrive in poor health after being abandoned in dangerous places, including bushes and pit latrines.
Facility Supports 37 Children
Ngetta Babies Home currently provides direct care to 10 babies within its premises, while another 27 children receive support while living outside the facility, bringing the total number of children under its care to 37.
The support extended to children living outside the home includes clothing, medical care, feeding and school fees, among other essential needs.
The Shs580,000 donation adds to the community support available to the facility as it works to meet the children’s basic needs.
The association’s pledge to continue collecting essential supplies also offers an opportunity to sustain the partnership beyond the initial fundraising effort.
The contribution serves as a reminder that collective action by transport operators, businesses, individuals and other well-wishers can help support vulnerable children and improve their welfare.
END