The late Florence Babirye
The Chairman National Resistance Movement (NRM) Turkey Chapter, Ronald Macpio has appreciated the government of Turkey and the Ugandan Embassy in Turkey for the support they have rendered to the Ugandan community during the devastating earthquake that has cost lives.
At least one Ugandan, Florence Babirye has since lost her life due to the natural calamities that are still affecting Turkey and Syria.
According to the authorities both in Uganda and the Embassy in Turkey, plans are underway to exhume and repatriate the remains of Babirye to be reburied at her ancestral home in Uganda which move is highly commended by the NRM leadership in Turkey.
“I continue to pass on my condolence to the Government and the President of Turkey for the unfortunate natural calamities that have left lives and property lost. As Uganda community leaders we are forever grateful for the support that has been since rendered to all Ugandans in Turkey who are reported to have directly been injured by the earthquake,” Macpio said.
On the onset, a total of 16 Ugandan nationals residing in Hatayand Malatya were identified and contacted and these have since been rescued and resettled.
Embassy First Secretary Joseph Barigye visiting the burial ground where Babirye was buried
Macpio also commended the Ambassador in Ankara, NisuraTiperu for standing with all Ugandans at this trying moment.
“The voice of comfort, care, and love from Amb. Tiperu has kept the community united during these unfortunate times. We appreciate her able leadership and all the efforts to ensure that all Ugandans are safe while making all arrangements to ensure that our sister’s body in returned home,” Macpio said.
The first earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday 6th, February struck at 4.17 am (0117 GMT) at a depth of about 18 kilometers (11 miles) near the Turkish city of Gaziantep, which is home to around two million people according to the US Geological Survey.
This was a 7.8-magnitude early morning quake, followed by dozens of aftershocks, that wiped out entire sections of major Turkish cities in a region filled with millions who have fled Syria’s civil war and other conflicts.
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