In a bid to address the problem of homeless children, a non-governmental organisation is to set up an orphanage in Wakiso district. Care and Save People Initiative (CASPI) says it has secured 1.5 acres of land at Kitikifumba, Kira town council, for the project.

According to CASPI Assistant Director, Swaleh Kiggundu, the foundation stone has already been laid, and construction starts this month. The orphanage is expected to be in use by next February. The organisation had so far been taking care of about 40 orphans but without permanent settlements.

"We thought of any public service that is relevant to the situation and an orphanage centre crossed our minds," Kiggundu said.

Sanyu Babies home, one of the best known children's homes in Uganda, recently appealed for support, citing an increase in homeless children and a fall in the number of people willing to adopt them.

Kiggundu adds that the orphanage centre will cost over Shs 300m, expected to come from well-wishers that include Nile Humanitarian Agency, International Islamic Charitable Organisation, individual donors, King Fahd Plaza and City Tyres. CASPI, which is headquartered at Ndeeba, on Kampala-Masaka road, also plans to build a primary school and a health centre at Kitikifumba.