Kalungi spreads festive season cheer to slum children

Kalungi and a group of children his foundation supported. Photo by Swaib Raul Kanyike

KAMPALA- For many children in the slum neighbourhoods of Katanga and Kivulu, the festive season comes and passes without much to celebrate.

However, US-based defender, Henry Kalungi, through The Henry Kalungi Foundation has for years extended a helping hand to these children.

On Saturday, hundreds of slum children thronged Buganda Road Grounds for the annual Christmas party hosted by Kalungi, where he fed and clothed them.

In an event that lasted more than five hours, Kalungi kicked off the day with a soccer training clinic that attracted children with a dream of having a career in the sport.

He, thereafter, served lunch and then donated soccer balls, jerseys and boots.

"This is our annual contribution towards the children in the Katanga and Kivulu slums. These children need a lot of care, they need someone to inspire them, and this is what we are trying to do," said Kalungi, who works hand-in-hand with his wife, Jacqueline, and other partners from across the United States.

“This week, we shall visit these children’s families and donate foodstuffs, drinks and clothes to their parents and caretakers to enable them enjoy Christmas. We are also going to spread the cheer outside Kampala,” said Kalungi, who turns out for Charlotte Independence in the United States Soccer League (USL), the second highest tier in American Soccer.

Kalungi’s Uganda Cranes teammate, Godfrey Walusimbi and Crested Cranes defender Jean Sseninde also graced the event.

“It is always nice to see someone touching lives. I am happy that we (footballers) are realizing this taking it up. Sometimes people forget that happiness comes from caring for the less fortunate,” said Walusimbi.
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