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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Retailer Carrefour Uganda has renovated and handed over a community facility used by In Need Home, a non-governmental organisation supporting vulnerable children and families in Namuwongo, Kampala, in a project funded through contributions from shoppers, it said on Oct.16 in a media release.
The refurbishment covered classrooms, offices and sanitation facilities, as well as repairs to roofs, windows, ceilings, doors and water gutters. The work also included re-plastering and repainting, aimed at improving the building’s condition and making the environment safer and more comfortable for children and staff.
The project was implemented through Carrefour’s “Round Up Your Bill” initiative, which allows customers to voluntarily round up their purchases at checkout to support community development projects.
Michael Tumwesigye, the executive director of In Need Home, said the improvements would enhance the organisation’s ability to care for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans and some children living with HIV.
He said the renovation had improved sanitation and safety, citing the replacement of bamboo staircases with terrazzo-finished stairs and the installation of modern flushing toilets.
“Carrefour Uganda’s support has significantly improved the safety, hygiene and quality of life at In Need Home,” Tumwesigye said, adding that the upgraded classrooms, offices and other facilities would create a better environment for children’s learning and development.
In Need Home currently accommodates 45 children at its premises and supports 165 children in total, including those attending different schools, according to Tumwesigye.
Carrefour Uganda said its “Round Up Your Bill” programme has raised more than Shs630 million to date, financing six community projects across the country.
The initiative enables customers to contribute small amounts during their shopping transactions, with the accumulated funds directed towards selected local development needs.
The renovation also aligns with the wider sustainability agenda of Majid Al Futtaim, which holds the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in Uganda. The group’s strategy prioritises education, healthcare, community development and economic empowerment in the markets where it operates.
