By Sr Goretti Nalumaga, MMM

In Uganda, near the shores of Lake Victoria, lies Katoogo, a swampy, impoverished neighbourhood where provisional houses are often swallowed by floodwaters during the rainy season. Most dwellers in Katoogo are individuals who grew up on the streets or migrated there seeking cheaper living options, often unaware of their ancestral roots. The submerged pathways force residents including volunteers and visitors alike to wear long boots just to reach those in need. Two heavy rain seasons make access impossible, prompting us to call residents to meet us in safer locations.

These photographs capture the challenging environment we visit, the waterlogged areas where our vulnerable beneficiaries live. You can see residents including volunteers carefully navigating the flooded paths, risking slips and falls, to reach families in desperate need. Many homes have been compromised by the rising waters, facing daily dangers, from the risk of their houses collapsing to health hazards caused by unsanitary conditions. This forces residents, including children, to squat in unsafe conditions with neighbours. Despite the hardships, risk of house collapse and health hazards, they remain resilient, trusting that, with divine guidance, better days will come.