The Uganda People’s Defence Forces in conjunction with the United States Army operating under the mandate of the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has donated 9 tons of wheat flour, baking powder, and an assortment of medicines to locals in Marka district.
These are based at Ceeljale – Uganda Battle Group 37 Headquarters, The relief items were delivered and received by local authorities headed by Marka district Member of Parliament Hon Hajji Hussein Ali.
The relief items are to be distributed to flood-affected communities of Ceeljale, Buufow, and KM50.
Hon Hajji Hussein Ali thanked the US Army and ATMIS for the selfless support and good cooperation existing among humanity.
He noted that the partnership has not only been in fighting the Al-Shabaab terror group but also in supporting communities affected by vagaries of nature.
“Thank you for supporting us not only in fighting enemies of peace but also in providing humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of our people,” Hajji Hussein noted.
Osman Musa the Marka District Commissioner, informed the delegates that due to heavy rains this year, Somalis have been badly affected by floods thereby impacting levels of food insecurity, household displacement, destruction of critical infrastructure, and the resultant contribution to the loss of livelihoods.
“Our people have no shelter, waterborne diseases are rampant and food crops have been affected. Your support has come at the right time,” Musa explained.
The Battle Group 37 commander Col Charles Kibaate Asiimwe while speaking on behalf of Sector One commander Brig Gen Peter Omola, appreciated the United States Army and Partners for the timely response to the humanitarian aid rendered to Somali brothers.
He pledged that ATMIS and Partners will continue to lobby other international agencies to render the necessary support to locals affected by El-Nino rains.
The El Niño phenomenon has significantly affected people in Somalia, particularly through heavy rainfall and flooding. According to a report by AP News, about 1.6 million people in Somalia could be affected by flooding events, with at least 53 people killed by flooding across the country.
The ReliefWeb also highlights that El Niño-induced flooding has led to the death of 99 people and the displacement of many others in Somalia, with significant damage to infrastructure and the spread of waterborne diseases.