PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Team Heads to Uganda to
Help Kenyan Refugees
January 4, 2008 – As families flee the civil unrest in Kenya, The Salvation Army is sending an international emergency disaster services team to assist refugees. The team will be headquartered in the neighboring country of Uganda where they will prepare to address needs in response to the breakdown of law and order in Kenya following the announcements of the Kenyan presidential vote. The unconfirmed death toll is up to 300.
It is estimated that up to half a million people could need vital humanitarian assistance. However, with the ongoing violence it is difficult to ascertain exact figures.
“Salvation Army officers (pastors) living in the slum areas of Nairobi are being housed at a safe Salvation Army compound in the city and security at all Salvation Army facilities has been increased. We are in close contact with our offices in Eldoret, Kisumu and Kakamega, where hundreds of refugees are being sheltered and fed. Unfortunately, it is not physically possible at this time to reach those locations,” said Lt. Colonel Kenneth Hodder, who is second in command of The Salvation Army’s work in Kenya.
The unrest in the western areas of Kenya has promoted an exodus into Uganda. Officials in Malaba, a border town, report that about 2,000 Kenyans have crossed into the town since the political announcement.
“There are large numbers of people in Malaba, Bumbo and towns along the border. Though shops currently have enough supplies the prices are going up. There is little gasoline which has a direct impact on deliveries. The main needs are food, shelter and soap. Medication and clothing also are needed,” said Major Eluid Nabiswa, who oversees The Salvation Army’s work in Eastern Uganda.
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
