Residents of several ghettos in Kampala have appealed to security personnel to allow them to celebrate Christmas peacefully, saying frequent harassment has dampened the festive mood amid deepening poverty.
In Bwaise, a densely populated suburb in Kawempe Division, residents said Christmas found many struggling to make ends meet, forcing families to mark the day quietly with whatever little they could afford.
“Even though it is Christmas, we decided to stay calm and celebrate quietly because we don’t have money,” said Kawuma John, a resident of the area. “What we ask is for security to leave us alone and not disturb us on such days.”
In Kimombasa village, also in Bwaise, the situation reflected a mix of joy and hardship. Some residents were seen roasting small portions of meat, while others gathered around music, dancing, and socialising. A number of people had already started drinking, while others were busy preparing food.
However, beneath the modest celebrations lay deep frustration. Several residents said that despite hearing Christmas messages on the radio, they had little to celebrate at home.
“We hear that it’s Christmas everywhere, but some of us don’t even have food because we don’t have money,” another resident lamented.
Others accused security operatives of using excessive force during the festive period.
“They beat us with sticks even when we are just trying to celebrate Christmas like everyone else,” a resident alleged.
In Kawala Ghetto, the festive atmosphere was also visible, but residents expressed disappointment with political leaders, whom they accused of abandoning them after elections.
“Our Christmas is not good at all,” a resident said. “Leaders only come here when they want votes, but after that they disappear and never help us.”
While some admitted they did not fully understand the meaning of Christmas, others said the day was still worth marking in their own way.
“At least we know we shall eat something and drink, even if it’s little,” one youth remarked.
With limited options, many residents said they had pooled small contributions to buy local alcohol, hoping to end the day on a lighter note despite the harsh realities surrounding them.
The scenes from Kampala’s ghettos highlight the stark contrast between festive celebrations and the daily struggles faced by many of the urban poor during the holiday season.
