GENEROSITY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

Stories of giving in the time of the coronavirus pandemic in .

Period Covered March 31st to April 30th, 2020

#OmutimaOmugabi About CivSource Africa

CivSource Africa is a philanthropy support and advisory organization committed to nurturing a more sustainable, effective and connected civil society that advances the dignity and voices of all people. We do this through promoting reflective, responsive, and accountable philanthropic practice.

CivSource Africa is also passionate about promoting African philanthropy and telling the stories of African giving and generosity.

Plot 18, Balikuddembe Road, Naguru , Uganda P.O Box 4310 Tel: +256 393 224 056 civsourceafrica.com [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/CivSourceAfrica https://twitter.com/CivsourceAfrica WHERE PHILANTHROPY MEETS CIVIL SOCIETY Table of contents

Forward 3

Acknowledegments 4

Acronyms 5

Background 6

Chapter 1 8 Giving by Private Sector Chapter 2 19 Individual Giving Chapter 3 28 Gving by Artists Chapter 4 32 Giving in Collectives Chapter 5 36 A Regional Glance Chapter 6 53 Giving Within Refugee Communities Chapter 7 58 Giving: Perspectives Forward

t gives us great pleasure to bring you distribute the items received to the right Ithis first of several reports about giving beneficiaries, as well as accountability during COVID-19 lock down in Uganda. for all that was given. In fact, this report Right from the announcement of the first just shares what was given, and we hope lock down on 31st March 2020, we started it can be used as a basis to demand noticing reports of giving and we decided accountability for where and how and by that we needed to capture this momentous whom the resources were used. time. Secondly, while many Ugandans gave, its Of course, Ugandans have always given, also an opportune time to ask about the and they will continue giving long after larger framework within which giving the COVID-19 pandemic is over. The happens in Uganda. Is giving supported in importance of this report is to capture a Uganda? Is there adequate infrastructure snapshot in time – a snapshot which we upon which to build more enduring and hope helps capture the generous spirit of collectivized philanthropy in Uganda? Ugandans. How can we use this moment to build that lasting framework? One thing that we’ve been clear about since we started collecting and curating We have also been challenged in gathering these stories, is that we will never capture the stories under lock down, since the length and breadth of giving that movement was restricted, But we did what happened during the lockdown. A lot of we could. The question going forward is giving happened in small communities, how we, as a country, can consciously and among and between neighbors and at consistently document the giving that family level, far away from the glare of goes on daily, for all kinds of causes, by all the media. So, this snapshot is but a small kinds of people. How do we also celebrate glimpse into all the giving that happened the giving, whatever the amount given? in this period. In this report we bring you both stories That said, we hope this snapshot helps us of giving, as well as three opinion pieces reveal the good and the lingering when from regular Ugandans. We hope you both it comes to questions of our generosity enjoy reading this report, as well as help and philanthropy in Uganda. While many us answer the questions and pose more Ugandans gave, many more questions that we need to ponder. persisted about trust in Government and its institutions, not just to receive CivSource Team the donations, but their capacity to 6 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Acknowledgements:

This report would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the tireless work and effort of the following people, to whom we are eternally indebted: Ms Caroline Ariba who gathered and curated the stories; Mr Stuart Nsingwire who helped with the publication design; Ms Peace Kadondi who took time to literally ‘count the giving’ and ensure we had summarized the figures correctly. We also appreciate the three Ugandans who provided us their perspectives on giving in the time of COVID.

Last but certainly not least, we thank the team at NakivArt, who allowed us to use their painting for the back page of this report. NakivArt is an art collective for and by refugees that live in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro (in Western Uganda). NakivArt uses drawing and drama to heal trauma.

NakivArt used their art skills to educate their community about keeping safe during the Corona pandemic.

This report was made possible by the generous support of Global Fund for Community Foundations. 7 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Acronyms

WHO World Health Organisation UIA Uganda Investment Authority PPE Personal Protective Equipment PR Public Relations MUASA University Student’s Association SARS Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ETS Execu-Tran Services LC LDU Local Defense Unit RDC Resident District Commissioner VHT Village Health Trainer 8 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Background

n December 2019, the world awoke introduced and public transport Ito news of a SARS-like virus in suspended for everyone, except essential Wuhan, China. Without notice, this workers. Large gatherings were stopped virus spread across the world infecting and most shopping places closed – millions of people, forcing the World except those selling food. While this was Health Organization (WHO) to declare a known solution to beating the virus, it a pandemic. As scientists struggled sadly it left a large percentage of the to fathom and contain this virus, population that lives from ‘hand-to- most governments across the globe mouth’ in a dire state. put in place strict measures to reduce infections. Note that 80% of Uganda’s labor force works in the informal sector, where most First, they advised populations to of the non-essential workers fall. Ergo wash hands, wipe down surfaces with without income coming in, families were disinfectant, and cover the mouth when going hungry. But also, life was different, coughing. While that was a good move, the social scene none-existent and all of they soon learnt that it was not enough; this was sudden. more had to be done. Slowly, countries started restricting entry During this time, CivSource Africa and then many closed their borders all noticed a surge in philanthropy. The together, allowing in only cargo planes. giving was both of cash and non-cash items. We also saw people give in kind; Despite this, infections continued time, talent, love; anyone with anything increasing, a thing experts said was from to give, gave! prior entries. They tried to implore those feeling unwell to self-quarantine but This is therefore a curation of the stories it didn’t work. Nothing was working, of giving during this time, but also a and they were left with one option, a chance to have a conversation about lockdown. philanthropy in Uganda. In Uganda, schools were closed, curfew 9 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Summary

FOOD ITEMS Quantity ESSENTIAL ITEMS

Trays of eggs 6,660 Bedsheets 2,000.00 Salt (kg) 30 Mattresses 663.00 Maize flour (tonnes) 10,135.80 Face masks 189,560.00 Water (Cartons) 2,063 Pairs of gloves 168,300.00 Wheat flour (tonnes) 600.48 Blankets 1,030.00 Assorted food bags 900 Essential items worth (UGX-bn) 3,435.50 Oil boxes 36,050 Soap (tonnes) 57.42 Rice (tonnes) 23.03 Testing Kits 27,589.00 Beans (tonnes) 6.60 PPEs 1,493.00 Sugar (tonnes) 129.60 Face shields 1,201.00 Chickens 500 Medical supplies (UGX - bn) 2,484.69 Milk (Cartons) 560 Hand wash (bottles) 6,000.00 Passion fruits (tonnes) 5 Hand sanitizers (litres) 19,650.00 Soya bean (tonnes) 1 Spray pump 3.00 Assorted Food Items (UGX - million) 754.50 Sit-on-top Gas Cookers 100.00 Hands washing tanks 60.00 Medical Equipment (ugx-bn) 1,602.00 Isolation tent 1.00 Pens 100,000.00

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Call Centers (with personnel, internet 6.00 $217677.23 $6460644.48 data) Fuel (ugx - million) 275.50 Leased veichles (buses and trucks) for pandemic Pick-up trucks to own 43.00 Motorcycles 36.00 Ambulances 17.00 Ambulance Service Bay 4.00 ICT equipment suppliers 1.00 $200301.23 Boat 2.00 Bicycles 1.00 Airtime (ugx - million) 100.00 Free radio PSA on COVID-19 recorded in all languages spoken in Uganda 388.00 10 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Chapter 1

Giving by Private Sector, Cultural and Other Institutions 11 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

week into the lock against Covid-19, the behalf of the country. Adown, we saw the President had appealed philanthropic arm of the directly to investors It was during that time private sector, NGOs, and all well-wishers to that we also noticed cultural institutions contribute generously that the giving was and associations towards Government’s happening in both the unfold right before our efforts to combat the profit and not for profit eyes. Almost instantly, pandemic. entities. Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), the President Museveni In this section therefore, body that regulates requested that more we bring you an updated investors acknowledged cars be donated to help list of all the giving that this giving in a detailed the country with its was documented; the article titled: ‘Covid-19: shortage of ambulances donations that went Investors donate should the pandemic get straight to the COVID-19 generously towards fight worse. On a closer look, task force in Uganda. against pandemic in we indeed noticed an For a more organised Uganda’. increase in the number curation, we clustered of car donations by these donations The article made it the investors as well into four, with some clear that the giving as donations to other companies donating in we were seeing was essential areas. In all sections. While some in fact a response to fact, some companies came out to clearly state the President’s call. donated cars as well the quantity of their “Dozens of investors, as food and essential donations, some simply other private sector medical items. mentioned items and players, institutions and we documented as they individuals have risen In mid-April, about were presented. to President Yoweri two weeks into the Museveni’s clarion call lock down, a national • Food to contribute towards COVID task force was • Essential medical items the fight against the established, with the • Cash donations coronavirus pandemic,” Office of the Prime • Transport and UIA noted. They went Minister directly in communication on to say that on charge. Occasionally, the two occasions out of president would read his several national out all the donations addresses on measures and say a thank you on 12 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

What was given

FOOD

Binyinzika Poultry Ltd: Synohydro 2,160 trays of eggs 20M worth cooking Food items worth Ugachick oil and rice UGX85M 500 trays of eggs Sarrai Group Bunyoro Kingdom 40 bags of Kinyara Roko 5000 bags of wheat flour, 20,000kgs of sugar and cartons UGX 10M tonnes of of wheat flour maize flour sugar Leisure Farm Japan Auto Motors Maria Cargo Importers 500 hens 100 cartons of 300 bags of maize flour Nile Breweries water Rwenzori 25 tonnes of maize Female Ambassadors 30 Cartons bottled flour 6.53 tonnes of rice water Cipla Uganda worth UGX 23M Democratic Party Pepsi 3 tonnes of rice, 1 Bottled water 100 ton of beans and 5tonnes of maize Cartons 2.5 tonnes of maize Jibu Water Amber Heart Foundation flour 10,000ltrs of 900 bags of food Ahmed Raza Food drinking water Fufa Blue Wave An assortment of food 800 Cartons of water (baking flour, biscuits, 12.5 tonnes of rice People Power etc.) Eurochick 50 bags of maize Bar Owners 4,000 trays of eggs flour, 30 Cartons Association Africell of salt Of Uganda 1ton of Posho, 1ton Fresh Cuts 560 cartons of long of Rice & 1ton of 10 tonnes of maize life milk, 200 cartons soya beans flour of water Uganda Unites In Pembe Group Bidco Uganda Ltd Partnership With Robert Katende 100 cartons of 36,000 cartons of Initiative, The Cradle, multi-purpose cooking oil worth Safeboda Uganda flour, 50 boxes of UGX 77M Assortment of food Pembe oil East African Legislative items Kaliro Sugar Assembly 40_40’S 100 tonnes of 50 bags of passion sugar Food items fruits 13 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Jhapadhola Kingdom Kidawalime bakery Uganda Insurers 37M worth food- UGX 12.5 tonnes of Association and 2.5m Cash maize flour 1,000 Blankets Langi Chiefdom KK Transport group of and 1,000 pairs of 5Tonnes Maize Flour companies bedsheets Tax corporation of 10 tonnes of maize World Vision Uganda flour Essential items 17 tonnes of maize flour, Staff of Electricity worth UGX 1BN beans and sugar Regulatory authority Mega Industries Shree Kutchi Leva Patel 4.2 tonnes of maize 150 cartons of Samaj temple Sipapa soap An assortment of food 5 heifers and food Alibaba Group items items worth UGX 100.000 masks, Registered trustees of 52M 20,089 testing kits, Patidar Samaj Kampala Sogeya Satum in 741 PPEs, 1,111 face food items worth partnership with shields. UGX 25M National Water Resolve TSL Kiruhura farmers Water worth 100M Medical supplies UGX 60M worth of MTN Uganda worth UGX200M Powdered Milk UGX 20M worth of Sunbelt food Archdiocese Isolation clothing, Bidco Uganda Ltd Development Association nitrile gloves, Oil, soap and UGX 6M goggles, Isolation detergent UGX masks. Business 115M community Indian Association of Uganda UGX 54.5M worth food ESSENTIAL ITEMS 500 PPE, 30,000 stuff pairs of gloves, Nepan Technical services Nytil/ Nyanza Uganda 1,200 hand UGX 51M worth of maize sanitizers, 100 flour 1,000 bedsheets and cartons of washing Water and environment 1,000 facial masks powder, 200 liters sector partners Jumia Uganda of liquid soap, UGX 49M and assorted 30,000 Face masks 90 pieces of face food Seed Global shield. Letsheigo Uganda 860 masks, N95 Echo Foodstuff 3 Spray pumps respirators, and Africa Oil Ltd BRAC Uganda decontamination UGX 25M worth of milk materials. 17,000 bars of soap Nile Energy/Gaz Petrol UAERA Sprout Capital station Investments 30,000 Pairs of 4 tonnes of maize flour 200 Mattresses gloves 14 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Sarrai Group Bidco Uganda Ltd 10,000 Liters Of 30 Boxes Of Gloves Ppe Worth Sanitizers, 10,000 And 50 Liters Of Ugx70m. 1,300 Bars Of Soap Sanitizers Cartons Of Soap Doditor Group Europa Engineering Work Ugx 105M, 10,000 Face Masks, 500 Ltd 72 Cartons Of Test Kits Baraj Group One Wheelchair And Detergents Worth An Assortment Of Ugx 108M 1000 Liters Of Sanitizer Ppes Uganda Association Tokotoko Gas Stanbic Bank Of External 70 Pieces Of Sit On Top 5,000 Gloves Recruitment Cookers Vivo Energy 30,000 Pairs Of Ramco Gas Ugx 10M Worth Of Gloves 30 Pieces Of Stand- Medical Supplies Cafomi In Alone Burners Worth Bunyoro Kingdom Ugx 30M Partnership With 10,000 Bars Of Soap Phillips Pharmaceuticals Malteser Portable Ultrasound Bar Owners 33 Mattresses And Machine Worth Ugx Association Of Uganda 30 Blankets 60M 10 Hand Washing Mtn Uganda Tanks Crestank 220M To 50 Hands-Free Bidco Uganda Ltd National Water Washing Tanks Oil, Soap And And Sewerage Kamcare Phama Ltd Detergent Ugx Company 25 Packs Of 115M Letshego Uganda Hydroxychloroquine, Abacus Pharmaceuticals Supplies Worth 50 Packs Of 3,000 Pieces Of Ugx38m Sugaquin, 50 Sanitizer, 3,000 Makerere University Injections Of Deselin Normal Saline Supplies Worth Ugx And 100 Packs Of Packs, 2,010 85M Vitamin C Ringers, 1,000 Hunan Road Bridge Gittoes Pharma Fluids, 1,000 Packs Construction An Array Of Medicines Of Paracetamol 25,000 Surgical Ex-Ken Ltd And 17,000 Pieces Masks And Face Of Black Soap. 1,500 Face Masks Recognition Equipment Worth Pharmaceutical Group Of Companies Ugx 50M Association Of Uganda (Eurofoam, Comfoam, Rosefoam, Crestfoam, Path Hand Sanitizers Worth Uganda Breweries, Medical Supplies Ugx 10M Ugachick, Supa, Nc Worth Ugx 27.7M Super Medic Bank And Night Frank) Absa Bank Uganda Essential Supplies Isolation Tents 920 Anti-Bacterial Worth Ugx 15M Worth Ugx 100M Mattresses. 15 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Plan International Uganda Drilling Hunan Road And 1,000 Packets Of Contractors Bridge Contractor Sanitary Towels Association Ugx 50M Roperfree Brand Products To Drill 24 Boreholes Worth Medical 5Tonnes Maize Flour Worth Ugx 657M Equipment Tax Corporation Of Staff Of Electricity Water And Uganda Regulatory Authority Environment Sector 175 Boxes Of Mosquito Partners 4.2 Tonnes Of Maize Medical Repellants Estimated At Equipment Ugx 15M. Kk Transport Group Of Medical Access Point 90M Worth Ppe Companies Medical Supplies City Bank 400 Mattresses Worth Ugx 11M Fully Equipped United Nations Capital Ambiance Distillers Ltd Theatre Worth Ugx Development Fund 200Ltrs Of Hand 270M Ppe Worth Ugx Sanitizers Shree Kutchi Leva 10M Spouts Of Water Patel Samaj Temple Asahi Eyito Water Distillers Worth Ugx 125M Medical 1,000 Pieces Of Ugx 292.5 M Equip Face Masks Worth Devine Bamboo Registered Trustees Ugx 65M 1 Ton Of Briquettes Of Partidal Samaj Uganda Kampala Handling Services Communications Medical 7,000 Antibody Rapid Commission Equipment Diagnostic Test Kits Ugx 5,000 Pieces Of Worth Ugx 530M National Fellowship Of Masks, 10,000 Pairs United Nations Capital Born Again Ministries Of Gloves, 252 Development Fund 1,500 Ppe, 500 Pieces Of Coveralls Worth 60M Ppe Worth 10M Respiratory Kits, Letsheigo Uganda 4,200 N95 Masks- Africa Queen 100,000 Pieces Of Bic Foodstuff Worth 3.1B Pens Worth Ugx 50M Rotary- Uganda/ Ahamadiah Muslim People Power Ugx 800M – Medical Association Equipment (Political Group) 500 Sanitizers, 200 30 Boxes Of Soap Equity Staff Masks, 60 Jerrycans Ugx 100M Worth Ppe Of Liquid Soap Technet Solution Movit Products Guangzhou Dongsong Anti-Bacterial Soaps, Energy Group 10,000 Masks Worth Liquid Handwash, Gel 5000 Masks Ugx 40M Sanitisers Worth Ugx 150M 16 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Path The Institute For Social CASH Medical Items Transformation Worth Ugx 27.7M Sanitizers, Pads, Uba Bank Water, Hand Washing Kyagalanyi Coffee Ugx570m Soap, Water Tanks, 1,000 Litres Of Sanitizers Nytil/ Nyanza Mosquito Repellants Uganda Dental Officers Uganda (For Market Women). And Technologists Ugx100m Plan International Associations Igad Staff Gloves Worth Ugx 1.5M Essential Items Worth Ugx 598M Ugx 376M Dfcu Bank Korea Foundation Nrm Party Essential Items For International Ugx 380M Worth Ugx 30M Healthcare Housing Finance Bank Diamond Trust Covid-19 Test Bank (Dtb) 30 Mattresses, 30 Kits And Personal Ugx 250M. Boxes Of Gloves And Protective Equipment 50 Litres Of Sanitizers Worth Ugx 390M. Sanlam Insurance Company Agricultural Pharmaceuticals Offered Free Ugx 285M Oxygen Supply Scd Uganda 1,400Ml Of Ibuprofen, To All Health 1000 Packs Of 200Ml Of (Makers Of Darling Facilities Should Hair) Metronidazol, 960 Packs Need Arise. Of Fluoric Acid Worth Ugx 200M Igad Coffee Group 786M Health Supplies Ugx 152M Dembe Group Imperial Worth Ugx 95M Hotel Sunbelt Industries Rotary Solar Lighting Worth Ugx 114M 380M 1.2Bn Worth Stanbic Essential Items (Ugx American Tower Ugx 100M 800M Directly To Standard Chartered Corporation Government Task Test Kits Worth 345M Bank Force And Ugx 400M Ugx 100M Asahi Eyito Across The Country) Dfcu Bank 1,000 Face Masks Worth Lions Ugx 70M Ugx 65M 4,000 Liters Of Ham Foundation Uganda Communications Hand Sanitizer Ugx 100M Commission Microhaem Scientifics Bunyoro Kitara Ugx 5,000 Masks, 10,000 And Medical Supplies Kingdom Pairs Of Gloves, 252 Ltd Ugx 60M Overalls Worth 60M Essential Busoga Kingdom Emergency Supplies Worth Ugx 85M Ugx 155M. 17 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Buganda Kingdom Yogi Steel Group Mwalimu Nyerere Ugx 100M Ugx 150M Leadership Center Ugx 1M Seya & Brothers Techno Ltd Ugx 50M Ugx 200M United Somali Community Stabex Ltd Compassion Ugx 14.5M International- Ugx 20M South Sudanese Ugx 1.2Bn Synohydro Women Fellowship Ugx 20M Ruparalia Group Ugx 2.5M Ugx 100M NSSF Uganda Vandeco The Mastercard Ugx 281M Enterprises Foundation China National Ugx 52M Ugx 500M Aero Technology Equity Group Idero Uganda International Foundation Engineering Ugx 50M Cooperation Ugx 300M Invictus Africa Ugx 10M Ugx 50M Ugx 1.25Bn People With Bayport Financial Disability Paramount Chief Services Of Lango Ugx 38M Ugx 200.000 Ugx10m Guangzhou Max Imports Tiang Adhola Dongsong Energy Ugx 10M Ugx 2.5M Group Mantra Afrexim Bank Ugx 38M Ugx 80M Ugx 760M Uganda Hotel Dfcu Bank Uganda Bati Owners Association Ugx 30M Ugx 70M Ugx 120M House Of Prayer Centenary Bank Kampala Associated Ministries Ugx 10M Cash To Advocates Ugx 100M Uganda Bankers Ugx 30M Bidco Uganda Ltd Association Assa Microfinance Ugx 505M Mbarara Ugx 30M Crown Beverages Ecclesiastical Education, Health, Ugx 700M Province Association Public Service Total Group Ugx 11M Commission Ugx 270M Kakande Ministries Ugx 25M Modern Group Ugx 40M Best Ingredients Ugx 100M Institute Of Certified Africa Ltd Mukono Chinese Accountants Ugx 20M Factories ( Ugx 35M Staff Of Ubos Mabel) Ugx 21M Ugx 268M 18 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Association of Kampala Estuphanos and Secondary school International family trading head teachers Christian Center company UGX 10M UGX 2.5M UGX 23M Desa General Fresh patch LTD Ntugamo Tradings UGX 10M Dairy Farmers UGX 3M cooperative union MK publishers Shewa imports and UGX 22.5M UGX 10M exports Street Abattoir Lewis Dryfus UGX 3M company Development UGX 10M Kyarunga Memorial UGX 20M foundation Covid19 fund Desmac coffee UGX 2.5M committee UGX 10M SMC East LTD UGX 16M Bam petroleum UGX 2M UNI Engineers UGX 5M Hopeland Trans- company Rubaya cooperatives, star apartments UGX 15M savings and credit UGX 3M Electoral associations Rainbow apartments commission UGX 5M UGX 3M UGX 15M Action Africa Health Dot Chevita General UGX 5M Judicial officers Merchandise Dr. Mutesi Farida UGX 12M UGX 2M UGX 3.8M National secretariat IBM Global of patriotism Luwero Social club UGX 2M coordinators and UGX 5M Parya Foundation staff Mbarara Stores LTD UGX 1.5M UGX 12.2M UGX UGX5M Coca-Cola Redico company Environmental and UGX 1.3BN UGX 10M Health association Mukama nayamba workers of Uganda TRANSPORT AND health products UGX 4M COMMUNICATION UGX 10M Pulider ministry Multiplex Uganda Airtel Uganda UGX 10M and 4 UGX 3.5M Call Center tonnes of maize flour The redeemed Personnel, Internet data Nobel Hint Christian Church of UGX 10M God Communication Development Jan Japan auto motors UGX 3.2M UGX 20 vehicles Foundation Uganda loaned for pandemic Call Center Personnel 19 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Marie Stopes Bidco Uganda Ltd Huawei Uganda Mazda pick-up Video Call Center truck worth UGX Conferencing ICT Personnel 144M equipment for the NITA-U Tiang Tiang Group health ministry Call Center and State House 2 vehicles Personnel Equity Bank Synohydro of companies 2 Toyota double Phones worth UGX cabin pick-ups 10M 2 vehicles Madhivani Group Stanbic Bank Hariss UGX 50M worth of International 2 double cabin pick-ups fuel One Ambulance Yoshino General Total Japan Auto Motors Oil UGX 40M Trading worth of fuel 8 Vehicles 1 land cruiser Uganda Breweries UNDP Kesekugiken UGX 40M worth of ICT equipment 1 Land Cruiser fuel Mulwana Group Kalpatar Power Vivo Energy 2 Ambulances Transmission Fuel worth UGX company 50M Tembo Steel 1 Tata Single Gateway 1 pick-up cabin 3 fully fueled Dott services Kawacom buses to be 1 Pick-up 1 Tata double used during the cabin MTN Uganda pandemic Indian Business 3 hard body Roko Construction Forum pickups, call center 1 pick-up Double Cabin personnel, free Indian Association pick-up messaging and free Oryx Fuels access to learning 1 pick-up Fuel worth UGX sites for University Africell 80M Students 5 vehicles and call MAC EA BrandPoint Experts center worth 157M Recording free Kwagalana Group 10 motorcycles radio adverts in all 1 double-cabin Simba Automotive languages spoken pick-up 3 Motorcycles and in Uganda in Dott Services one tricycle all order to sensitize One Truck to own worth UGX 50M the public about and 20 trucks COVID-19. loaned for the pandemic Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 20 Proposal GIVING BY PRIVATE SECTOR

Nile fishing Tax Corporation Nile Energy/Gaz company 100 bicycles- Petrol station worth UGX 50M A boat and two UGX 15.5 M worth motorcycles worth Nile Fishing fuel UGX 210M Company Coca-Cola Kingdom Media Boats worth 3 pick-ups Airtime worth UGX 200 million, 2 388M motorcycles worth UGX 10M Shia Imami Ismaili Community Korea Foundation for International Free Ambulance Healthcare service bay 1 Ambulance 21 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Chapter 2 Individual Giving

“ “Imagine waking up to bunches of matooke outside your gate. Imagine the sight of ripe sweet bananas spread out at different points in the neighborhood for people to pick and eat. Sounds like Manna from the garden, right? A kind gentleman sent his boda boda rider (motorcycle taxi) to his farm over 33km away from the city, to pick up food for the neighborhood. No one was informed about the activity as we are all staying indoors. But those who opened their gates, saw food packed at their gates. The food distribution will happen again this week.” 22 Proposal INDIVIDUAL GIVING Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

INTRODUCTION. way from the spotlight of corporate giving, we had anonymous givers; some people woke to food Anoticed a rise in individual giving. No cameras, at their gates, some had names registered and an no PR teams on standby, no budget whatsoever, anonymous good Samaritan gave them supplies to just individuals giving. It this particular section, last the entire lock down. you will notice that giving happened across all sections of the public. The wealthy gave as did the We also noticed a lot of giving in kind; it wasn’t poor; this made for the heart of the entire giving money, but time or a skill. In many instances, process. In a subtle way, it even challenged the these were lifesaving non-monetary gestures. ‘haves’ to do better. The thought that went into this giving was what Some of these individuals were as young as five made it even more special. Some turned their years and others were grandparents looking social media platforms into fundraising spaces, to make life easier for the less fortunate. The imploring friends and acquaintances to help the donations ranged from cash to food items mostly needy; in fact, in the second leg of the lockdown, and were as low as five thousand shillings all the we saw an increase in this category of giving. way to the hundreds of millions. Below are some of the stories we captured: It goes without saying that some communities

Luzira’s Anonymous Guardian Angel have realized over the years that sustainable month until we are out of the woods. I giving is more effective when you involve local leaders and respected persons in the community. I also sent a few gloves and masks to the To this end, I have over time purposed to actively community health center for the health workers interact with these categories of people in the two there with information about the disease. communities I call home; (my village) and is an affluent neighborhood with a small Luzira where I live. slum right beside us. Interestingly, the community When Covid19 hit and we, the privileged were here communes mostly on a WhatsApp group, so buying everything off the shelf, I could tell how the underprivileged are obviously not on there. this was going to pan out for the less privileged I asked our LC1 Chairperson to compile a list of amongst us (this was shortly after the first the number of homes in the area that needed Presidential Address). I therefore asked my help and also to let me know how we could be of contact person in my village to compile and help. There was a laxity on her part. I think the share a list. First was the sick and elderly persons people did finally reach out to her though and with no families/support systems, then widows she contacted me. I asked again for a list of homes and single parents with meager resources. I and I was told we have 97 vulnerable homes here. also helped the indigent or as locally known the I have since sent the LC rations of posho, beans Bakateyamba (those who have no income at all). and sugar to send to the said homes as we await With the list (about 40 homes), I donated posho the government food aid which is yet to be given (maize flour), beans and soap, with a message. The in our area. message was to sensitize them about the disease, hand washing, staying home and also the fact that the disease was going to hit hard and they needed to use the food sparingly because it would be a long run.

I asked the community coordinator along with the Local Council (LC) committee to sensitize the shop keepers on the ‘kyaalo’ (village) to have soap and water available for their clients and to enforce it. I intend to keep replenishing the rations everyone 23 Proposal INDIVIDUAL GIVING Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

cannot give the entire nation, I can give to my I tell this story because I feel that we need to neighbors and I wish more people would work go back in time and commune in a neighborly with the local leaders and trusted community manner; the way we did when I grew up in the workers to bring about a little oneness with each 1990s. These times have shown me that while I other.

Nuwamanya offered to pick ARVs for those living with HIV

hen the directive to stop any and all public people, until a friend saw what he was doing and Wmeans was passed, people living with HIV/ gave him a bicycle. “Now I ride the bicycle for AIDS struggled to get their life-saving drugs. Since kilometers carrying small chits with me to make the motorcycle taxis (boda-boda) were allowed, stops at many ARVs collection points,” he says. they tried to use those, but got brutalized by security His commitment to volunteerism soars through agents who said no passengers were allowed on every word; he has chosen to do this at no cost. the motorcycles. When they tried to send just the “Government forgot us, we had to find a way to look riders, news of their status spread like a wildfire, after each other. I didn’t have money, so I offered to as did the stigma in this Busabala suburb. That is pick their ARVs for them!” he says. when a young man, Hillary Nuwamanya swooped in. Born with HIV/AIDS about 24years ago, Hillary was just the savior the people living with HIV in Busabala areas needed. “Because I am open about my status, many reached out to me and opened up,” he says. Defeated, he first started by walking to health centers on Entebbe road to collect drugs for some

Food for those taking ARVs on an empty stomach

or about two years now, a young woman called Some of these people started reaching out to her FHamah Nsubuga has been open about her through Facebook and Twitter. It broke her heart HIV status. “I am an HIV activist and I am also to see how dire their situation was. “I felt so bad HIV positive!” that is how she introduces herself. at first because I had nothing to give!” she recalls Since opening up about her status, she has taken painfully. One of the messages read, “Hamah, I to encouraging those living with the virus to am depressed. I am HIV positive and on drugs! My take their medication correctly. That was until family doesn’t know about my status because I the country went into lockdown; Hamah is now fear judgement. Right now I really just need to buy making sure those on medication have food at the food and drinks, the tabs are so strong, if anyone very least. could give me like fifty thousand shillings, I will “Many people living with HIV/AIDS are find a way forward somehow.” unemployed and very vulnerable; this It was the second message from a pregnant woman COVID-19 crisis has affected us a lot!” who had spent her last money hiring a pick-up she explains. Besides not having income, truck to collect her medicine that got Hamah she says that the ban on public transport thinking of a way forward. “Hamah, I can’t manage impaired their strides to access the much this situation. This lockdown found me six needed medication. months pregnant and on medication. I am taking Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 24 Proposal INDIVIDUAL GIVING

medicine on one meal a day, and I throw up However, when the lockdown was extended, every morning because I wake up hungry,” the the messages increased. “I didn’t know what woman cried out. next to do,” she says. After voicing her worries, To avoid stigma, she blurred their names a friend of hers and fellow HIV activist, and posted the screenshots beseeching her Williams Matovu, came on board. Together followers to share whatever they had. “Some of they started a fundraising called Akabo (or my followers helped with a little contribution a Luganda word to mean basket). “We have which I then divided and forwarded to each of managed to collect one million Uganda these people’s mobile money accounts,” she shillings. We are going to buy for them food narrates. and distribute using a bicycle!” an elated Hamah says.

Mutebi’s Emergency Relief Fund for the Vulnerable

s soon as the lock down was announced “This fund has for over a month now been Ain Uganda, philanthropist Brian Mutebi giving out an assortment of relief items to the sprang into action. Through an organization most affected families,” he notes. “A total of 173 he runs called Education & Development people; 115 of whom are children and 58 adults Opportunity- Uganda, Mutebi quickly set up in 43 households, have been beneficiaries of what he calls the COVID-19 Emergency Relief this relief.” Fund. Mutebi and team distributed maize flour, rice, Having worked with different vulnerable beans, groundnuts, bread, soap, sugar, salt communities, Mutebi knew that the lock and tea leaves. After a discussion, they also down would make life difficult for them. “We agreed that they would distribute hard cash developed a concept for the relief Someone gave me for people to meet needs they may fund,” he says. Besides food, he also “ charcoal, but no food. have been omitted. anticipated an increase in sexual And my only piece of an elated mother said upon and reproductive health needs. He soap for bathing was receiving her package. was right! It was not long before stolen by a rat. I am On the reproductive health front, they got calls from the community so happy you didn’t Mutebi says that the money was asking for food and contraceptives. only buy me food, but a indeed a welcome stride. “That “One particular lady was worried whole bar of soap,” is the money some women who her days had run out and she didn’t needed contraceptives used to buy want to conceive.” Mutebi weaved a short-term them,” he says. project around these needs for beneficiaries in the districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mityana and Kiboga where the organization operates.

About Mushabe’s Dolphin Fund

hen the Economic Misfit first run this down had since made impossible. Wstory, it caught our eye. It also didn’t And that is how the DophinFund, a community come as a surprise to his peers that Dickson driven platform which enables individuals and Mushabe, an entrepreneur and author, would organisations to raise funds for worthy causes, think of a ‘techy’ way to give during these came about. The Economic Misfit wrote thusly: tough times. Like many, he understood that DolphinFund is an internet based a large number of people depended on daily crowdfunding platform that allows individuals income to afford food, accommodation, and to set up accounts, describe the need for which other basic necessities of life, a thing the lock they are raising funds and invite others to Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 25 INDIVIDUAL GIVING

contribute to it. The platform can be accessed includes capabilities for people to represent at https://dolphinfund.org/. communities or other individuals that are not Funds are donated through a cashless able to access the internet themselves. payments and collection system powered by Since it costs nothing to set up and only has a the internationally recognised and licensed small management fee attached to it, Mushabe payments company Flutterwave. Through this thought this would be a viable alternative in transaction system, donations can be made these tough times. “Although the inspiration using mobile money or credit and debit cards. behind the platform was to help those affected The funds collected are then transferred to a by COVID19,” the Economic Misfit noted in bank account or mobile money wallet specified the article about the fund. by the fundraiser. “DolphinFund platform The DolphinFund platform is a Ugandan will remain operational product, built with a deep understanding even after the coronavirus of the Ugandan ecosystem and dynamics. restrictions are lifted as it Account funds will be denominated in is expected that it will take Ugandan shillings. However, donations can some time for businesses be received from both local and international and other sources of sources. livelihood to get back to Built with innovative technology, the platform normal.”

Journalist, Esagala Helps Two Single Mothers n the face of the borderless coronavirus “It took me one week to raise funds from my Iin Uganda, an award winning Ugandan Facebook friends and well-wishers, it was such photojournalist chose to do better. Besides just a great moment for me to accomplish,” he says. delivering heart-rending pictures of women “I really love to help those in need. That day venders whipped by some Local Defense I felt so bad when these women were caned Units (LDUs) LDUs in a bid to enforce a lock by LDUs.” He watched them lose everything, down, The ’s Alex Esagala led a it broke his heart and so he decided to do fundraising drive for the said women on his something about it. FaceBook page. He implored his followers to “Remember these were old women in their late help these women who were single mothers 40s. I was touched and I decided to help them,” with a measly income and couldn’t afford to he narrates. “Fortunately good people came on stay home. board. I thank God for the whole process.” He Pictures of Christine Awori and Aloyo Hadijah then adds as a matter of fact, “I don’t want to graced his Facebook page a day after that with see a man caning or torturing a woman.” a plea to his followers to help them. “Friends, He raised money and food items worth UGX kindly support Ms Aloyo Hadijah, a vendor 5M for Christine Awori. Due to halting of who was beaten up by LDUs in Kampala on private donations by the President, Aloyo Thursday, I will be delivering the money on didn’t get as much. “I had collected shs400.000 Thursday,” he begged. for Aloyo,” he explains. “The following day, I He then took his audience on a visual journey sent the money on her phone to help get her into the stark reality of the poverty that forced capital back.” these women on the streets. Videos of his Just before he ended the fundraising, the visits to the women who live in the slums of drive got a new boost form the Rupaleria Nankulabye gripped many hearts. Despite Foundation. “I want to thank Rupaleria undergoing finanvial hardship themselves, Foundation which donated to Ms Aloyo!” many Ugandans managed to raise money he adds. They gave her posho (maize flour), for basic needs for these women. Day by day, beans and soap among others. That was a good Esagala updated his followers attracting help gesture from the Foundation. from many, including city socialites. 26 Proposal INDIVIDUAL GIVING Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Dr. Olive Kobusingye’s Aids Health Workers

he Daily monitor, a Ugandan local daily 100,000 shillings,” she recalls. Tdescribes her as a change agent. Verbatim: She dared not tell them the days spent with Dr. Olive Kobusingye is a consultant trauma no response had demoralized her team. “Now surgeon, emergency surgeon, accident injury I knew I could not just tell them we had lost epidemiologist, academic and author. Her steam,” she muses. “So I began to thank them desire is to see change in Uganda’s health loudly, and others started to give.” The least sector and she authored books to this effect. She currently serves as a senior research fellow at Makerere University School of Public Health. And that was the description that would lead CivSource Africa to dig into what she might be up to as the country tries to cope with coronavirus. “Well,” she starts. “It is all there on my Facebook page.” True, the doctor made it a point that the world didn’t forget the Ugandan health workers. Her Facebook page was awash with advocacy for the health workers to be amount she has received was Shs 10,000. “The protected and provided for during COVID-19. largest donation is from a Ugandan doctor in “I just posted that our health workers were Australia, he sent me Aus$1,000,” she recalls. going to need help, and I told people what She got to work, but needed a little more kind of help I thought they would need,” she help getting the job done. “I called a couple explains. “For a couple of days it just sat there, of colleagues, told them I needed their help. nobody did anything.” But something changed We have been buying masks, gowns, and and she started to see results. “Then a friend foodstuffs, then delivering them to gave me 50,000 shillings and another gave me hospital,” she says. These Gestures are Invaluable By Richard Arina

have been the recipient of kindness during shared humanity. The people responsible have I this lockdown. Although it has come in inspired me to share what I have to ease the different forms, it touched and humbled pain of others who are struggling during these me in many ways. Ultimately though, it is difficult times. teaching me lessons along the way on our A friend called me at the start of the lockdown and, after talking briefly, asked politely if I would be okay with them sending me some money. It turned out to be $125 that I received with gratitude. I hadn’t even mentioned anywhere in our conversation that I needed money or help. Then on Easter Day, I and a number of friends teamed up to ensure a few poor families at least had decent meals. Kindness has also been expressed in other forms; through calls and messages of encouragement. Some do it daily just to make sure I have woken up not feeling low. Others challenge me to be better, pointing out areas I 27 Proposal INDIVIDUAL GIVING Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

can work on in a gentle, loving way. Their goal is over Africa. They keep me connected to what to see me better. To show me that life is still here others are experiencing, as they pour their hearts to be lived regardless of what’s happening now. out in verse. Others make me laugh. It’s medicine, you know. We have an all African online devotional session Some have, through online Bible expositions that I’m looking forward to. This is yet another spearheaded by a wonderful Nigerian friend, event organized to ensure we all show love and called me higher, ensuring I don’t lose faith. kindness to one another. They help us have a A Kenyan friend and also poet, who teaches better appreciation of life. literature at one of the Universities over there These gestures are invaluable during times like tags me in these beautiful poems sent from all this. I’m grateful!

5 year old, Mulindwa Sulaiti also Thank you to this Uganda Police Blood donation at Benco heeded to H E @KagutaMuseveni Woman Maneno Ayikoru who suppermarket today collected 50 call to support the COVID-19 donated Ugx 200,000 to the COVID19 units of Blood thanks to everyone. response and donated 10kg of posho National Task Force. @DianaAtwine @Blood4Uganda and Ugx 10,000. The National Task @khan256moses@UgandaRedCross Force appreciates your hands and She really deserves a Million Likes. @OxfaminUganda kind gesture. @AmbroseMugume1

Ugandan citizen Samuel Kimbowa Meet Aiko Aisha a senior four student of Mr Augustine Nyanga a @SafeBoda who fetches water for a living Lubiri High School, who walked on foot cyclist from wakiso has donated donated UGX5000 to aid the from Natete to donate her 15,000 UGX 4bars of soap and ugsh 5000 to the government in the fight against to the #COVID19 relief response team #Covid29UG National task force , #COVID19. to help fight the disease. #UBCNews he hopes that his donation will help #WeCanDoThis #StaySafeUG a few Ugandans may be affected by #NBSUpdates #StaySafeUG the #lockdownug #Uglockdown @ observerug 28 Proposal INDIVIDUAL GIVING Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Meet Masiko Gad, a tutor at Bishop Stuart The Archbishop of the #UOT: There are hungry, vulnerable pple in Primary Teachers College in Mbarara, Stephen Kazimba Mugalu has donated 565 every neighborhood. Their livelihoods have resident of . He contributed his bags of posho and 500kgs of beans to the been cut off; and they’ll likely go without March salary of UGX 850,000, as support National Response to #COVID19 Taskforce. food tonight. towards the vulnerable people during This confirmation was made by the Office of Looking for 100 pple to commit 30K & buy at the #COVID__19 response. Join me to the Prime Minister earlier today. least 10kgs of posho & beans. Place them at yo applaud the generosity. LCs office for distribution. #StayHome #NBSUpdates #StaySafeUG #EachOneFeedOne

My friends & I are setting up a distribution chain through our boda guy/housekeepers to donate dry foods, charcoal + WASH basics in my neighbourhood. Please do what you can to ease the burden on people you are connected to that are struggling. #COVID19 29 Proposal INDIVIDUAL GIVING Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Individual donations to national task force

• Father Henry Kasasa from SS UGX 300M donated • Birungi Mary donated 200 hens & 200 trays of eggs to residents of UGX 1.5M Kira. • Ugandans on Twitter donated • Aiko Aisha a senior four student of Lubiri UGX 1.3M High School, • Male Kamya donated walked on foot from Natete to donate her UGX 1M 15,000 UGX • Gustavo Orach donated • Five-year-old Sulaiti Mulindwa donated UGX 1M 10kg of posho and UGX10,000. • Leonard Rutaro donated • Samuel Kimbowa who fetches water for a UGX 1M living donated • Bishop Elwana Stephano donated UGX5,000 UGX 100.000 • Brig. Gen. John Mugyenyi (Rtd) donated • Dr. Isiah Tumwinyinze donated a brand new double cabin pick up UGX 1.5M • Police officer, Jackson Mucunguzi donated • Nazarin Family Makerere donated quarter of his April salary UGX 2M • Fabris Rulinda donated • Aliba Clement donated 500 Litres of fuel UGX 2M • Masiko Gad, a tutor at Bishop Stuart Primary • Dr. Mutesi Farida donated Teacher’s College in Kabale- UGX 3.8M donated UGX 850,000 which was • Joseph Brown donated his March Salary. UGX 3.8M • LC 1 donated • Thakur from Sweden donated UGX 1M UGX 10M • Police woman Maneno Ayikoru • The Family of Nicholas and Rosette donated Byangoma donated UGX 5M UGX 200,000 • Architect Stanley and Professor Deborah • Augustin Nyanga, a safe boda donated Mulumba donated UGX 2M 4bars of soap and UGX 5,000 • Jenipher (Full Figure) donated • Sk Mbuga donated UGX 1M 40 tonnes of food • Akiteng Grace donated hard ware worth • James Mwangi- Equity Bank CEO donated UGX 2M 30 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Chapter 3

Giving by Artists

“I would like to thank“ all the artists who have participated in this effort because they did this without any payment. I would like to encourage them to dedicate their platforms to educate their followers more about coronavirus and to follow the directives of the President and the Ministry of Health.” 31 GIVING BY ARTISTS Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A musical giving

usic. This is one of the notable weapons like to encourage you to also dedicate your MUgandan arts have brought to the battle platforms to educate our followers more about against coronavirus. It’s been song after song; coronavirus and to follow the directives of the artistes, big and small, solo projects, collabos president and the ministry of health,” he said. and all-star scenes have graced the airwaves. In Unlike fellow artistes listed above, Mesach reviewing the musical scene as regards to the Semakula’s song, Tusonyiwe (Forgive us) is a virus, Dominic Makwa, a lecturer at Makerere prayer. The Golden Band crooner begs God University had an insightful piece published to save the world from the coronavirus. “The by online journal, The Conversation. COVID-19 prayer gives hope to many and Makwa casts a quick glance through the most makes believers know that there is light at the notable of songs and lists the artistes therein. end of the tunnel,” the Daily Monitor noted. He says that notable among them was Bobi Interestingly though, in a bid to sensitize the Wine and Nubian Li’s Corona Virus Alert and population about COVID-19, comedians also Bebe Cool’s Corona Distance. He also says that took to song. Vision Group’s Reagan Ssempijja there’s also the likes of Pastor Frank Kyeyune’s tells of a musical project by a collection Katonda Yekka ku Corona (Only God on of Uganda’s A-list comedians, under their Corona), Dickens Ahabwe’s Coronavirus in umbrella association, The Uganda Comedians Uganda and Corona by Ykee Benda, King Saha, Association (TUCA). Recorded at producer Joanita Kawalya, B2C, Fefe Busu Dre Cali and Artin’s studio, the song is titled, “We Say No to Myci Ou. Corona”. “These are simple songs that assume a It features distinguished comedians like responsibility to help educate citizens. They Patriko Mujuuka, Hannington Bujingo, are dense in information about COVID-19, Richard Tuwangye, Alex Muhangi, Godi Godi, about preventing its spread and getting help Reign and Agnes Akite among others. “A if one is infected,” he say. Makwa however number of them sounded more like comedians wonders how effective this music is in public than musicians, but all this will be delved health communication, a question he then into when the situation returns to normalcy. quickly explores. For now, the country needs each and every

“In Corona Virus Alert, Bobi and Nubian Li emphasize, among others, the responsibility of all Ugandans to wash and sanitize their hands, observe social distancing, to isolate by going into quarantine if symptoms appear. The artists also list the signs and symptoms of COVID-19,” he says. This was a good thing, if the messaging by the Health Ministry had not delivered the message well, then music would. In the song Corona Distance, Bebe Cool teamed up with Vinka, John Blaq, A Pass, Ykee Benda, Fik Fameika, Peace Among, comforting message,” Sssempijja notes. Azawi, Fresh Kid and Paper Daddy, to deliver He further notes that unlike many other songs a musical message about the virus. While released earlier, this particular song is known releasing the song, the crooner told Daily to tickle listeners into hearty laughter. “They Monitor about the importance of giving and decided to turn the situation into one that can art. be laughed about, but still stay conscious of “I would like to thank all the artistes who the set measures and guidelines to prevent the have participated in this chapter because spread of the virus.” they did this without any payment and would 32 GIVING BY ARTISTS Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Art: Sketching the Message n the Disney movie Queen of , she plays to him from that place,” she says. Iwife to British-Nigerian actor, David Oyelewo. While creating the character, it was important That is where many would have recognized the for her that the message and not the character be name Esteri Tebandeka. Outside of acting though, seen. “Muna-U is a man of average looks; he has a the actress takes on many other creative roles; a potbelly, he is bolding, he is not ‘eye candy’,” she comic, a designer, a dancer and a chef! Yes, that explains. In making him less appealing, she has and more, will define Esteri’s time. In the wake been able to communicate without worrying about of the coronavirus, through one of her comic the message getting drowned by his looks. characters, Muna-U (slang to mean, a Ugandan), For a few months now, Muna-U has found ways the loveable Esteri uses satire to echo messages. to tell people to stay home, without sounding Asked why she uses satire, she said, “I use satire too official. For example, in one of the episodes, because I want to be free to say Muna-U is at the immigration desk. When the anything I want without being officer asks for his nationality, he responds, judged!” She explains a little “Sitting room!” During the Easter holiday, a sad more: “I also chose satire because Muna-U said, “Now I would be in the village it’s easier to deliver the message distributing my ka hard earned money.” In the end that way; people take information though, he advises everyone to stay home. directly aimed at them better To capture the general sentiments and anxiety that when packaged in a different came with a possibility of lifting the lockdown, way.” Esteri decided to call her character Muna-U Muna-U joked, “Now people are ironing their car because she believes what he says resonates with engines- Kiro mo!” Before that though, Muna-U is many Ugandans. “It’s the things I have heard and seen telling his member of parliament to call his seen people do; the people who love Muna-U relate 20million shillings to vote for him. Koona Dance oona dance is an urban youth Luganda message got home,” he says. “Since all the gym Kand English word-play meant to cheer on facilities were shut down, I had no other means of dancers. But in these dire times of the coronavirus reaching our followers and the rest of the people in Uganda, Koona Dance has become a dance facing the pandemic lock down.” It was just his movement of sorts to keep many sane and fit. clientele at first, but soon Felix was inspiring The young man behind it, Okumu Felix many other people. Wamala, decided to give back during “Koona Dance workout has been offering free the lock down. On his social media pages, online live workout videos three days of the Facebook, Koona Dance workout Uganda and week on social media- mainly Facebook and Instagram, koonadanceworkout, he urges all Instagram” he says. “On average 50 to 100 and sundry to keep fit. people work out per session on the live video.” A chat with Felix revealed the fact that indeed These online workout sessions have also been giving can be in kind. “Due to the COVID-19 gentle reminders for people to be cautious. pandemic, my country has been in lock “During the online workouts, viewers are down,” he starts when asked why he chose to give encouraged to exercise caution, sanitize, keep back through dance. “As a dance fitness instructor, social distance, stay home, be safe and fit during I had to put all our commercial workout sessions this pandemic,” he maintains. Asked what his at all gym facilities all week round on hold.” He reward is, the selfless young man says: “The clients’ says that everything seemed surreal, at first, and comments and messages of appreciation show he mostly just felt defeated and needed purpose. that Koona has impacted lives.” That seems to be To then decided to give something to help others reward enough for him for now. “Together, we who were feeling like him, get through this. shall continue to stay fit and stay safe with the “Initially it didn’t feel real, but eventually the Koona Dance workout,” he adds as a matter of fact. 33 GIVING BY ARTISTS Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Artsy Generosity in the Wake of COVID-19 By Moses Serugo t took a distress call from a photo-ops and mentions during a lot of red flags. Benda hopes Imother of six-month-old twins the Presidential updates on more relief aid; monetary or for Douglas Kasule Benda to COVID-19,” Kibirige explains. otherwise can come through by champion a fundraiser for relief A plan to map out the residential way of his personal lines; aid to film industry practitioners areas of needy filmmakers was 0779-211785 or 0702-792926. affected by the COVID-19. “This quickly hatched and boda boda On the performing arts front, Nalongo (Luganda for mother of motorcycles were used to deliver acclaimed Ugandan dancer twins) is an actress living with at least 5kgs to film practitioners Walter Ruva is spearheading a HIV and cannot breastfeed her that had households of at least relief fund for his peers in the two kids for fear of passing the five family members. dance community. Ruva also virus onto them. She feeds them The duo has, however, been used the power of a Facebook on egg york. But because the overwhelmed by appeals for video to launch his initiative film industry is in lockdown, relief aid from as far as starting off with UGX100,000 she has no livelihood. And with and Kabale which got Benda to from his own pocket. no money, she can’t feed her make an emotional appeal to https://www.facebook. babies,” Benda says in a heart- UCC (Uganda Communications com/ruva.walter/ wrenching video he posted on Commission) to commit just a videos/3097286586995009/ his Facebook wall. quarter of this year’s Uganda “I noticed that mainstream https://www.facebook. Film Festival budget to relief aid musicians who are generally com/douglasbenda/ for filmmakers. well-off by industry standards videos/2857199107649491/ were only supporting DJs That appeal saw him raise “I wish Uganda Film Festival and not the other people that up to UGX600,000 with through the Uganda support them in their art,” Ruva UGX50,000 from his own pocket Communications Commission laments. “Granted, DJs play the with remittances of at least would just give ¼ of this artistes music but they only deal UGX10,000 to film industry year’s festival budget to help with the finished product. We practitioners that reached him filmmakers through these the dancers are there with the on his personal phone lines. hard times. But who am I to artistes in the kitchen during the Another film practitioner say? Our leaders from Uganda making of music videos and also Shakira Kibirige, a make-up Film Council or UFMI (Uganda garnish their live performances artiste of great repute quickly Federation of Movie Industry) or jumped into the fray with 25kgs UFN (Uganda Film Network) will of rice worth UGX180,000 from wait to ask for a transportation her personal savings. Both were van to take filmmakers for burial compelled to help on account when they die of hunger. Ssi of the slow response of the kyo?” he lamented yet again on National Task Force in getting his Facebook wall. food to the hungry masses. Unfortunately, Julianne “Various heads of the film Mweheirwe, the festival industry organisations had director says that the budgets heeded the call to give their for the festival are approved with choreography,” says the relief items to the National by the line Ministry of ICT and renowned choreographer and Task Force who would in turn National Guidance and that fitness instructor who has deliver it to the masses. But diverting festival money to appeared in a couple of music we wanted a more targeted anything outside what it was videos by pop artistes. approach that was not about requisitioned for would raise 34 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Chapter 4 Giving in Collectives

Through their“ COVID-19 Emergency Response Committee, the club mobilized over 5,000 Rotarians and Rotary partners in the district to help in the national efforts in both countries. And indeed, you will notice them feature across our regional curation of giving. 35 GIVING IN COLLECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

n this section, we look at how individuals channeled assistance through groups. The team spirit and the Igift of numbers saw many people receive help. For example, a group of ladies, through the FOWA charity drive 2020, pooled resources and bought food items for about 11 families. Each family, who were notably mostly single mothers and or widows, got food items worth UGX250.000. This we noticed was the trend that informed most of the group and or association giving. At a glance, look at why indeed this particular families deserved rescuing:

• A single mother with 5 children (3 • Single mother, in her 40s, works • Single mother aged 44 years girls and 2 boys aged 10-18yrs.) as hawker for smoked fish, but had with 4 kids found herself unable who had been thrown out of their to halt that since public transport to continue hawking clothes for home due to rent dues. Her eldest was cancelled. With two little girls a living. Soon, he couldn’t afford child, 18yrs, was in P7 but got both in primary school to feed, this rent and food for her and her four pregnant and now has a newborn mother and her children would children until help reached her way. baby. While the church got them a have gone hungry • An elderly lady whose foot was temporary room to live in. So the • A 47-year-old single dad, with amputated due to diabetes who was mum started washing clothes for disability was a beneficiary. abandoned by her husband and people to earn a living, but now The banana leaf vendor in left to fend for two children, some everyone is at home and washing Gayaza market is also diabetic/ of who are single young mothers their own clothes so she has no job. hypertensive. Since his leg was with no source of income. The help amputated due to diabetes, he couldn’t have come at a better time • Single mother of 3, living on her could barely walk to work, since for her. own in Kitintale. Used to work at a public means were banned. soap factory earning daily wages. Currently staying with his children • The other beneficiary was an HIV Factory is closed due to covid19. 12, 10 and 9 years, the father positive widow and mother of four Her and kids are now surviving on also struggles with finding the children. Before the lock down, porridge. appropriate diet for his condition. she walked around doing laundry for different people, but no client • Single mother who used to roast • A 32-year-old mother who cleans needs her services now. Despite plantain and maize on the roadside houses for a living found herself being on ARVs and needing food for in the evenings, but can’t due to the without work, as everyone is now the treatment to work better, she 7pm curfew that came with the lock opting to do the work themselves. had been going hungry when the down. She has three children to This mother of three who stays in group found her. feed; two teenager works and Maule-Nangabo was stuck, and pre-teen, and was out of options. lucky for her, this group identified her Lawyers Rescue Their Own

OVID-19 might have brought with it so much of lawyers were also counselled on how best Cmisery, but watching lawyers help their own, to go through the COVID-19 crisis and how to was nothing short of inspirational. They called it prepare for post-COVID life in legal practice. She the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for Lawyers. described the initiative, whose lead architects also Since its inception by Advocate Assumpta included firebrand lawyer Isaac Ssemakadde, as ‘a Kemigisha Ssebunya and approval by the Uganda resounding success’. Law Society, it has saved 98 vulnerable advocates It attracted 65 donors, rescued 98 lawyers in need, from starving. counselled so many, and saved Shs 3,609,000 In a report jointly released by Ssebunya and the for future disbursements. “We are exceedingly Fund’s Goodwill Committee Chairperson, and grateful for the generosity of our donors, Advocate Sylvia Namawejje Ebitu, the Treasurer, compassion of counsellors, and the trust and 65 lawyers made contributions that have put courage of our beneficiaries, without whom these a smile on the faces of 98 vulnerable legal achievements would not have been possible,” practitioners. Assumpta told Press. Chairperson Ssebunya added that hundreds Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 36 GIVING IN COLLECTIVES

Small acts mean a lot during Covid19 The Old Boys Association of St. Mary’s On behalf of the National Task Force, lockdown. My friends and I under College, (70’s class) donated 200 the Permanent Secretary, Team Njala Foundation contributed trays of eggs worth UGX 2M in support @DianaAtwine received a donation of 20/30k each and lo, today we’ve raised of the COVID-19 response. “These eggs medical supplies from @MbeguZa more than 600k. We’ve bought rice, will be given to our frontline health (An association of children of the NRA/ beans, soap, oil & porridge for kids with workers who are sacrificing their lives UPDF soldiers) comprising of 200 face hydrocephalus complications. What a to end COVID-19 in Uganda”Hon. shields and 18 boxes of hand gloves to joy in giving!!!!! Robinah Nabbanja support the COVID-19 response.

The Environmental Health Workers The Uganda Professional Pilots The Minister of Health, @JaneRuth_ Association of Uganda donated UGX Association Association donated an Aceng, State Minister for Health for 4,100,000 towards the COVID-19 assortment of medical supplies to support Primary Health Care, @MorikuJoyce response in #Uganda. the frontline health workers in the and PS @DianaAtwine received a COVID-19 response. The supplies include; donation worth UGX 440M from 1000 face masks, 1,000 surgical gloves and Uganda Bankers Association and the 200 face shields and were received by Deposit Protection Fund to support the @DianaAtwine fight against COVID-19 in Uganda.

The lady who undressed in the video which made rounds on social media in protest of hunger has today been rescued by Junior Boys School old students Association. Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 37 GIVING IN COLLECTIVES

The Rotaries The Lions

n Uganda, two renowned ostly known for their battle against diabetes in Uganda, Iclubs built on philanthropic Mthe Lions Club of Uganda this time round took to active principles also gave. For hygiene sensitization in villages. On the national front, they do- example, as soon as news of nated sanitizers to the taskforce. “The fight against the spread the lockdown went out, rotary of COVID-19 is our fight, all of us. We are grateful to our Lions club, the biggest in the country, Clubs in Uganda that are playing a constructive role to serve showed commitment in helping their communities by providing food and other needs, working the cause. The Rotary district with the Local Government Task Forces,” they noted on their 9211 that combines Uganda and official pages. Tanzania contributed UGX 1BN to the fight against covid-19 to Club members came together and in a few days raised the Uganda task force. UGX 24million, which was dedicated to the protection of Prior to that, a meeting between the frontline health workers. “It is through this combined Uganda Minister of Health, effort that we have contributed 4000 liters of medical-grade Jane Ruth Aceng and District sanitizers. These were handed over by the Lion Leaders to Governor, D 9211, the National Task Force yesterday at the Office of the Prime Sentamu was held and the club Minister,” they noted. told of plans to contribute PPE, Test kits and Wash facilities, all valued at one billion Uganda Shillings. Besides the donation to the national task force, the Rotary District 9211,

through its 168 clubs in Uganda and Tanzania also contributed enormously to risk communication and community mobilization to create awareness of the government guidelines for the control of the COVID-19 spread. Through their COVID-19 Emergency Response Committee, the club mobilized over 5,000 Rotarians and Rotary partners in the district to help in the national efforts in both countries. And indeed, you will notice them feature across our regional curation of giving. 38 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Chapter 5 A Regional Glance

“I am what“ I am today because others helped me.” 39 (NORTHERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE The dire need that sparked West Nile’s philanthropy

large section of Wokoru, the managing director assorted biscuits, and 4 cartons of ADistrict is made up of South of ETS Logistics Services couldn’t toilet paper. Sudan refugees. But a story stood help but reach out to a starving Leaving many challenged, a out; the reported family. “Things are not good. 109-year-old lady donated 20 that all was not well for the non- People are dying of hunger,” she cartons of water and UGX400,000 refugee population in Yumbe said. “I have just returned from in cash to the Arua District District. It was one of the first Yumbe, where I had gone to COVID-19 task force. Khemisa districts in the West Nile area deliver a bag of posho and 5kg Batte Kajja, solicited the items to ask for help, but not for long, of beans to a starving family,” from her family members and as the other districts cried out she said. Shortly, Premier Hotels ensured that she personally almost instantly. Yumbe made a contribution of handed over the contribution. The paper reported that hunger UGX 2M too. The region still needed help and and anger were building up in Beyond food, the districts were it wasn’t just monetary; ensuring this West Nile district and slowly worried the hospitals were not the message trickled down to the across the region. They said that well prepared. A group called last person was fast becoming the poor could hardly put food on KKT procured and sent 400 important. their tables. This, they noted was mattresses as the company Artists Astro Lifer and Elton as a result of the lockdown, which support, the distribution started Lover Boy were quick to hit the was put in place to prevent the from Adjumani, Moyo, Yumbe, studio and whip up a song titled, spread of the coronavirus. Koboko, Maracha and Nebbish. corona Virus. In this song, they “Walking through the streets of In town, FUFA donated talk about hygiene, and implore the major towns in the region, 26 bags of rice to Paidha Black their brothers and sisters from it is clear that normal life is on Angels Football Club. “Imagine West Nile to wash their hands hold,” they noted. “Most of the going days without food,” a young with soap and water in order to shops and restaurants remain footballer rendered jobless as beat the virus. The catchy tune closed, except for hardware and matches get postponed, said. “I soon saw the song playing across wholesale shops.” wanted to walk to the village to radio stations in the region and They further said that one is my mother, but I didn’t even have this went a long way in sensitizing greeted by emaciated youth the energy!” the masses. and middle-aged men sitting Eva Olivia and Eden Okia, both Away from the messaging, desperately on the streets. They business personalities from some districts needed qualified maintained that the situation Koboko donated Shs 1.6M, 300 personnel while some individuals was even worse in the rural Cartons of water, 50kgs maize needed an act of kindness, but areas, where many families were flour, 150kgs Sugar, Cooking oil also, they needed help with the starving. 9 cartons, Salt 25 cartons, rice sensitization messages. In the thick of this, a one Sarah 25kgs, beans 150kgs, 25 cartons of 40 (NORTHERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE She Dared to go Where Many Wouldn’t hen the news on with the patient, families are stressed out motivation. “Health Wof a COVID-19 she also offered by the pandemic,” they workers should learn patient in the district to spearhead the said. to be self-motivated in arrived, Adjumani went COVID-19 psychosocial Speaking to New Vision, the face of pandemics. into shock. Everyone team on the district Dr. George Bhoka, the They should not focus panicked. Though task force. Opia, also district health officer, on treatment only, but being hundreds of a member of the said that when Opia be part of things such as kilometers away Palliative Association called, he was glad resource mobilization,” from the capital city, of Uganda, noticed because the district Opia told The New Adjumani District was that component was task force was short Vision. among the first districts lacking in the district of staff at that time. She also says to get a COVID-19 strategy. To affirm “When I talked to her throughout the period case. Immediately, her membership, the upon confirming the the COVID-19 patient the district leadership Palliative Association of COVID-19 case in the was in their hands at convened an emergency Uganda, celebrated her. district, within 24 hours Adjumani Hospital, response meeting and They called her an she had put together they kept coaching made calls but many unsung hero before a team that came up themselves. “Every shunned the call to going on to explain why with a comprehensive morning, we held a duty. However, a nurse, her presence there was COVID-19 psychosocial meeting to remind Vicky Opia, immediately pertinent. “Psychosocial plan and budget. This ourselves of the basic answered the call and support is part of our guided us well,” he said. things, such as washing started work that very biggest mandate during When Opia spoke, it our hands,” Opia day. the COVID-19 response was to emphasize the explains. Besides being hands- as many people and importance of self- 41 (NORTHERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE Arua’s Selfless Nurse rua’s Selfless Nurse nowhere to be seen requested a cyclist to wheelchair, let us use ADoris Okudinia, a for a whole six hours transport the patient this to carry him.’ I then nurse at Ediofe Health later. “This patient he declined for fear of helped her, thinking Centre III will forever be came to the health being arrested. that if the ambulance etched in our memories. centre at around Note that one of found us on the way, Images of her wheeling 7am. As I reached the the presidential they would take it up a critically ill patient facility, I found him directives on the from there,” she told the from Ediofe Health lying on the verandah spread of coronavirus Daily Monitor. Center to Arua Regional and we had to wait stopped cyclists During the journey, the Referral Hospital, for the clinical officer from transporting patient asked to rest at kilometers away, to arrive at 8 am. He passengers. That’s River Enyau for about will not be forgotten took the prescriptions when patient’s wife 30 minutes and then set anytime soon. “Life and recommended approached several off to the hilly part of of any human being laboratory tests,” nurses, crying in the road leading to Arua is precious,” the soft- Okudinia explained. desperation because Town. “That patient was spoken Okudinia told She said that though her husband’s condition ill. Helping him was Daily Monitor when the health centre gave was deteriorating. not a sin because even asked why she did it. first aid treatment and God knows that I only She then explained referred the patient “It was not my decision wanted to save the life that though the patient to Arua Regional to use the wheelchair of the patient,” she said. had been brought Referral Hospital, after the wife of the “I am what I am today to the health center hours later, there was patient pleaded for it. because others helped in the morning, no ambulance. When She cried to us that me.” the ambulance was the officer-in-charge ‘if you people have a 42 (NORTHERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE One act of Kindness Deserves Another: Arua Nurse gets Scholarship hen she set her qualifications from recognize, appreciate Wout to help certificate to diploma. and congratulate wheel the patient to “Okundinia’s comrade Okundinia, the the regional referral photograph recently management resolved hospital in Arua, Doris appeared on various to reward her with a full Okudinia didn’t know mainstream and Diploma Scholarship in the blessings that social media forums General Nursing valued awaited her. She was wheeling a patient at 9 Million Uganda celebrated by the health on a wheelchair from Shillings,” they said. Ministry, with both the Ediofe Health Centre They said that by Permanent Secretary III where she works to offering Okundinia, and Minister calling Arua Regional Referral a full scholarship her a hero. That was Hospital. We considered said. program to further not all, more good news her action as a total They said that board her education, they awaited her. commitment to enhance did this because of would directly have The Uganda Christian a health living, protect her commitment equipped and retooled Institute (UCI) School of lives and boost health to saving lives and her with a lifetime of Nursing and Midwifery service delivery to our serving humanity in skills, knowledge, and in offered people,” Rt. Rev. Prof totality by a trained even supported her to the young nurse a full Olwa, the Chairperson professional medical effectively serve the scholarship to upgrade Governing Council UCI worker. “With a view to community better.

The Madi Community Unites he Madi Cultural Adjumani, Moyo and District health officer, MACDEF has already Tand Development Obongi in Madi Sub- said that they needed answered the cries of Foundation (MACDEF), region. all the help they could our people. We want to with support from Madi Henry Akra Ayiasi, the get. Indeed, according thank you (MACDEF) so communities in Uganda secretary of MACDEF to the Daily Monitor, much,” Taban said. and diaspora, mobilized noted that because though Moyo District essential medical coronavirus has no had submitted a budget items worth shillings vaccine now, it was of Shs4.3 billion to the 18million. pertinent that they central government The Foundation said help the communities for all operational that the items were prevent it. “We activities to manage the meant to help the locals procured essential pandemic, the district in the ongoing fight items under the had only received against coronavirus. guidance of our district Shs165 million. They were equally health officers and Peter Taban Data, the shared and handed over we delivered them to Adjumani RDC, said to the district taskforce the respective district the items were much officials chaired by taskforces,” he said. needed and that they the Resident District To appreciate the would straight away be Commissioners of contribution, Dr. dispatched for use. “In the three districts of Franklin Iddi, the Moyo delivering these items, 43 (NORTHERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE A Fundraising Drive for West Nile’s Vulnerable hey had initially and this moved proved four hundred seventy) The aid would be Tthought of coming successful. was collected. “The going to the vulnerable together to put West “Dear sons, daughters, contribution is being people of West Nile; the Nile on the national friends and in-laws of used to buy food which old, the pregnant and electricity grid, then West Nile. We would the sick. He said that the lockdown was wish to extend our despite delivering this announced. Today, heartfelt appreciation food, the fundraising this group called and say thank you for wouldn’t stop and that Voice of West Nile has your selfless acts having money for any and put everything on heeded to the clarion all basic needs was hold to make sure the call we made 2 weeks being collected. In fact, region’s vulnerable ago to contribute for is given to the various many had also donated poor don’t starve to our vulnerable people task forces of the eleven mattresses on top of death. First they sent of west Nile during this districts of West Nile the cash contributions. out a communication COVID -19 lockdown,” for distribution to “We learned to give not asking group members a group member vulnerable people of because we have much to contribute, but soon Nyakuezaibo Ezra said. West Nile,” he said. They but we know exactly realized that this was A total of UGX 43, purchased cassava flour how it feels to have bigger than them. 387,470 (forty three and beans from farmers nothing,” he said. “God They then asked the million three hundred within the region and bless you all!” general public to join eighty seven thousand distributed it.

This Orphan Living with HIV Just Wants to Study eorge who stays She lamented the first something to help her to study and help her Gin Zombo District time we met, while tears out. There are a lot of learn to speak English. has a very inspirational rolled down her cheek. children of this kind My Mom, who is a story to tell. At a time She lamented that her in our communities - nurse, is also helping to when many could have dreams of becoming a hopeless and frustrated monitor the little girl’s chosen to hold onto nurse in the future are yet with so much love health. She ensures that the little they had, his slowly fading because for education and they the ‘nurse to be’ takes mother opened their she can’t access any have dreams too. Let’s her ARVs as prescribed doors to a little orphan radios to learn during not let their hopes fade and I am sure she will girl with a big dream. this pandemic and cried away. be fine and live to see Verbatim he said: out to me to help her I talked to my mom and her dreams come true A young girl in my out. we offered this little one day. neighborhood about This was so touching to girl an opportunity It gives me great joy 12 years old living me. I reflected on the to continue learning. to see that the little with HIV/AIDS in P.4 number of children in girl’s smile has been shared with me her her situation, children restored and her hopes love for education and with so much passion and dreams have been her frustration with but whose dreams are reawakened. the closure of schools being shattered by this If we all continue to do due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are the right things in small pandemic. “Japonji, Gen probably going to drop ways, right where we para mi doku Nurse out of school when She now stays at home are, we can make a big dong ube jwik, acopu this is all over while with my mum, every difference. somu ungo nikum radio others are going to lose morning and afternoon upe yofua, ke konya Doo out on their dreams. she listens to education japonji.....” I thought I should do lessons on TV. I help her 44 (NORTHERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE Grandmother Beaten by Grandson can now Smile Again ego Lucy Anek including the district among those creating and the construction Mwas mercilessly Chairman of Gulu awareness, and nearly of her house is in battered by her District, Martin Ojara 6M was raised in a progress.” grandson. He beat her Mapinduzi heard their few days, with a local On top of ensuring she till she dropped on cry, as did police. organization called had a roof over her her knees begging to First, a local clinic GWED-G donating head, the well-wishers be forgiven. Her plea offered free treatment Shs3m. As the days went also contributed a little fell on barren ground, for the old woman on, many leaders, locals more cash for her to as the young man and the LC1 gave her and well-wishers joined start life with. “I also carried on beating shelter for a few days the campaign and a handed over today an her. Somehow, she as the police traced committee was even additional 740,000/= managed to crawl, then her abuser. Once it formed. (Seven Hundred Forty stagger into mundanely was confirmed that he “This afternoon, I Thousand Shillings thatched semi- was in police custody, visited the home of only) to the Committee permanent hut. together with the local Mego Lucy Anek, our as contributions Though faced with leadership, she was old mama who was from the following,” their own troubles returned to her home, savagely assaulted by Mapinduzi said before as the world battles which sadly had also her grandson about listing the donors. coronavirus, watching been destroyed by her 12 days ago,” the Gulu “Mego Stella Oryang- Ugandans demand furious abuser. Chairman, Mapinduzi 115,325/=, Madam Nyino help for the old woman Again the gleefully wrote. “I’m Mugisha- 152,543/=, was humbling. They accommodation was happy to inform Ladit Samuel Donge reckoned that domestic offered to the old you that the small (sent to me thru Hon. violence cases were woman as a plea was committee headed Obol Simpleman) on the rise and that made for well-wishers by Ms. Flavia Teddy 362,000/=, Ladit Ben something had to be to come to her rescue, Okello (Director Flama Cirino (sent to me thru done to rescue victims and they did! James Morning Uganda) to Hon. Obol Simpleman)- from their abusers. Alemi, a re-known support Mego Anek 100,000/=, Isabella Luckily several leaders, philanthropist was Lucy is doing a great job Okello- 10,000/=.” 45 (NORTHERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE Teenage Orphan lays Bricks and Donates Money icholas Opiyo based Gangwa News, Task Force and help boy’s heart and help NOgweng, a 13-year- Ogweng, a primary six in the fight.” Ogweng people who are in need old boy from Gulu pupil said he has always told an online outlet. ‘’ in this trying time. District left the district heard on Radio how the I am happy that I have “The world needs more COVID-19 task force Corona virus pandemic done something to fight people like this young awed. It wasn’t just has ravaged the World. Covid-19 in my district.’’ man right here,” the that the young man What blew him away the RDC, RDC said. “Let us all try donated Shs50.000 that most was hearing how Major Santos Okot to learn from this young left many impressed, it people were coming Lapolo applauded the boy, we should always was the fact that he had together to fight the try to help people in spent time laying bricks disease by donating need.” so he could donate the to the task force to The beaming Ogweng money. As if that wasn’t help the Medical said that he had been impressive enough, team and vulnerable a beneficiary of the it was reported that people affected by the kindness of others and teenager, Ogweng, an Pandemic. wanted to give back. But orphan, walked from ‘’I started laying bricks more than anything, he Uyama Sub-county, after we came back boy for his generous encouraged his peers to about 10 km from from school because of contribution to fight give back too, and help Gulu town to bring the the lock down So after Covid-19 saying that those in need. money. selling I thought it was everyone should According to the online- wise to share with the emulate this young

The Giving Scene in Karamoja s a result of the help the district boost of posho of 25kg each V chairperson, Andrew Adistance from the their capacities to fight to the vulnerable Napajja. rural communities the coronavirus. Mr. communities. “The food came from and homesteads, Peter Keen Lochap, Unknown to many, a church far away in and restrictions on the Resident District Pastor Kayanja’s Kampala,” one of the movement of private Commissioner (RDC) company, Mechanized elders in Moroto told car, the story of giving Moroto who doubles Agro Uganda Limited, our contact. He had in Karamoja is unique. as chairman district which works with no idea that Miracle It is one to follow Taskforce on Covid-19, artisan miners in Center’s Pastor Robert keenly, especially since while receiving the , also Kayanja was the one, some of the country’s items on Friday April donated to the region. all he knew was that most vulnerable 17, 2020, thanked The donation was someone was kind populations live there. Mercycorps for the enough to bring them The region’s NGOs have items saying it will food at a time when put up a unified front to boost the fight against they had none. The help the communities the disease. districts agreed that the in this North Eastern The items donated to food relief would go to sub-region. the district include the furthest districts At the beginning of 2,000 five-liter like Longole, , the lockdown, Moroto Jerrycans for hand Amudat and District received washing and 80 boxes received by Peter Ken which border . assorted items for of soap among others. Lochop, the Moroto Noticeable was handwashing from Pastor Samuel Kakande Resident District the sensitization Mercycorps Uganda to also donated 200 bags Commissioner and LC in Karamoja. A 46 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

coronavirus song communicate and their listeners, a thing will be live at Christ by musicians from our givers this time they hadn’t explored Church Cathedral for Teso and Karamoja is round became the before. the Anglican Easter currently a popular radio station Etoile “Right now, we are Service and later in in the region. One of FM and the church. broadcasting from the afternoon, we will the biggest worries for As many people in the Good Shepard be broadcasting the experts in Karamoja is urban areas stayed Cathedral, Kotido,” Easter Service for the messaging; thus this glued to their TVs for they said. “The Pentecostal Assemblies song was a welcome the Easter season, English mass just of God, Kotido at stride. Etoil FM sought out ended, and we are 5:00pm. Tune in to 92.7 Outside of music one of the region’s now going to start FM.” though, the church biggest cathedrals and the Ngakarimojong was best placed to brought church to mass. At 11:00, we

A REGIONAL GLANCE EASTERN UGANDA From Teso to Busoga eso radio donated 28 bags hand covers, foot salvage the now Tpresenters and DJs of posho to the covers, eye glasses, looming hunger. First woke up to news of a impoverished hand sanitizers, hand was Haji Nageje the modest donation by communities in his washing tanks and Prime Minister for one of their celebrated native town of . washing soap. Bagwere who donated artists, Mark P Ikwap. The Bam supermarket The supplies were 1.5 tonnes of Posho and The UGX 1.5M went proprietor distributed transported to 13 UGX 1.2M. Then came to selected media food to the Muslim different districts of Rtd. Maj. Mugweri personalities who were community in . Eastern Uganda and Geoffrey who donated facing pay cuts and or The districts were most handed over to the task 800kgs of posho to those that had to go worried about lack of force teams in each and without income during health supplies and of the districts. The then Prof. Kiwolu the COVID-19 times. health workers had districts were - Mbale, James who donated After all, they (media threatened to go on , Kapchorwa, 1,000Kgs of Posho. personalities) are best placed to communicate Still in Budaka, the to the people about the from Rotary club deadly coronavirus. of Mbale donated several items to https://m.facebook. Budaka District. com/story.php?story_ Upon receiving the fbid=340582173592217 donations, an elated &id=100029213110346 Martin Orochi, the RDC Budaka said it Individual givers like was just what they Dr. Epodoi Joseph and needed. “This has Rev. Sr. Dr. Ajiko Mary been the greatest of the department strike in Mbale. To Manafwa, Bududa, donation in the district of Surgery at reduce the burden Kumi, Palissa, Budaka, among all donations Hospital donated on the health sector Butaleja, , Busia, the district has so 100kgs of sugar to therein, Tana group Soroti and Bugiri. far received. This is support fellow staff. of companies gave In Bugwere, Budaka because the items Uganda Cranes essential items. They district received delivered have been goalkeeper Salim gave disposable PPE several individual those that the district Jamal Magoola suits, masks, gloves, donations to help has been lacking in the Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 47 EASTERERN UGANDA) health facilities” Orochi said. 8. 5 Jerrycans of 5 litres of hand sanitizers. Putting the The donations were: 9. 5 jerrycans of 20 litres of 1. 20 pieces of coverall Liquid Soap. message in song 10. 2 sets of Padel operated protective suits. rono ekorona (coronavirus is 2. 50 packs of surgical gloves. hand washing facilities. bad), is one of the songs that are 3. 30 eye goggles. 11. 5 pieces of Infrared gracing the airwaves in Teso. 4. 10 packs of N95 respirators thermometers. Sung by the Ngero masks ERock Painting Akogo Group, 5. 50 packs of surgical masks. a popular traditional music 6. 50 pieces of aprons. band from Teso, the song uses the catchy thumb piano 7. 5 bottles of 5 litres of melody to deliver the message. disinfectant (Jim) The band, known mostly for its Christian music, educates the community in song before A sigh of relief as UPDF donates making a plea to God for much needed blood in Soroti salvation from the pandemic. The song starts by calling upon everyone post by a blood bank begged. to pay attention because will this is the Aworker in the Soroti office, She again pleaded with those only way the disease can be beaten. The caught our eye. Martha Ajilong living around the municipality song then delves into prevention tips; was first seen making a plea to donate blood and from nutrition to behavior change. “Let’s to the public to donate blood, promised that safety would not be in overcrowded places, stay home, and to do it urgently. Sadly be maintained. Lucky for her, but even if you must move, don’t forget to keep washing your hands with soap because of the lockdown, the that plea fell on the ears of the and clean water,” the band sings. response was not good. In fact, Soroti Army Barracks. They it was mostly hospital staff of mobilized themselves and over The band then goes on to implore people the Soroti Regional Hospital 217 Uganda People’s Defense to increase vegetable intake in order to who showed up. Force officers gave blood. boost their immunity. “Drink hot water, “We are inviting you to please A gleeful Ajilong wrote, corona fears hot water,” the band also join us at Soroti Regional “Thankyou UPDF for your says in song. And for those who think it Referral Hospital daily to generous donation. The is not a serious problem, the band warns donate that precious gift - safe medical staff of the force has that no matter where they go, the virus blood,” she wrote. “Together, boosted the UBTS field team. is there. “Be it America, China, , the virus is there!” The band then cries out let’s save life.” Ajilong was It is happening at the Military to God to forgive his people, “Please getting desperate, the district Barracks in Soroti.” As if giving stretch your hand out. Please heavenly had already lost about their blood was not enough, Father, please stretch out your hand.” four children who couldn’t the army medical staff helped VHT Gilbert Arimon says that until access their blood type and a collect it. “And their nurses, music came, they had to trust that pregnant mother was in dire lab staff, clinician helped,” she people were listening to the adverts from need. “We lost 4 kids yesterday said. “These soldiers honestly the radio, which wasn’t necessarily the and a mother is dying if we saved the blood crisis!” case. don’t avail her blood,” she “Sometimes they would, but most cases they just look for another channel when the adverts begin. These songs are really good, because people sing them and the message sinks in,” he explains. 48 EASTERERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE Serere District’s Oucor donates to his people hilanthropist Philip he might come to the first class posho grown cartons of the Pepsi POucor came to the rescue of his people. and packaged from the drink to the security rescue of the people of Journalist Peterson lands of Serere District, agents as they labor to Serere District in Teso Oluka broke down two tonnes of salt, one enforce the Presidential sub-region. Besides the the details of Oucor’s thousand kilograms of and Ministry of Health effects of the lockdown, donations that were sugar and twenty four directives. He further Teso sub-region was handed over to the boxes of soap to help added. “In total, his facing a famine scare district task force: in washing of hands donations were worth as a result of the delay Oluka further said in various health care twenty one million in the planting season that Oucor, added five units. shillings on top of fully brought about by the tonnes of high quality He also gave fifty paid three month daily locust invasion. But radio adverts running also, the waters of Lake “He gave two million shillings to the thrice a day.” Kyoga were rising, and District Taskforce as fuel facilitation, It is believed the people experts warned that this one million shillings for police of Serere celebrated would soon see districts Oucor for the kind like Serere located on facilitation on fuel expenses to allow gesture and beseeched the shores of the lake, them ensure tight security in the area others to help not just flooding. Serere District, but Teso With this in mind, and maintaining the Presidential as a whole. Oucor who is from directives.” Serere District, thought

Floods in Kaptoyoy: A tale a neighbor’s keeper he rains fell hard cold,” Cheptoyet They are not sure warm. Tin Kaptoyoy Sub explained when asked when the rains will “First thing we did was County in Kween what the plan was. stop but they trust to find a place for all District, and took with “The food has all been that their families and the children, pregnant them not just people’s washed away, but friends, guided by the women and old people,” food, but destroyed neighbors share what philanthropy that is a VHT, Emmanuel houses as well. This little food they have woven into their way Cheptoris said. should have left the with each other!” of life, will keep them “Remember we didn’t village’s people in this have public transport, mountainous area so we walked from completely devastated, door to door asking but something neighbors to accept happened. A kindness a visitor for a short swept over some of while.” Granted, it is not the village people and yet perfect, the rains are generosity took center still falling, but for as stage. long as they keep being “People here have there for each other, the sheltered their village people of Kween will be mates. No one is just fine. sleeping out in the 49 EASTERERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE Daddy Andre Donates to Mbale’s Muslim Community hen a man only in Mbale, especially Mbale said. Not to lose musician couldn’t have Widentified as Isma those of us who are capital, Gibutai tried to come at a better time spoke of the rumor fasting at a time when increase the prices but for the father of six who that a certain musician our income streams found that making even worried about how to had donated food to dried up. I tried to keep just the one sale a day survive throughout the muslims in Mbale, they the shop open, but the was impossible, so he lockdown. didn’t expect it to be cost of transporting closed shop. To celebrate him, a one singer Daddy Andre. my stock doubled” Ibra The news of this kind Lubanga Pash said, True, the Tonelabira Gibutai, a trader in gesture from the “In these hard times, singer had indeed a person who can donated specifically remember his people to the fasting Muslim is the best person to community in the be identified as a true Eastern district of friend to the nation.” Mbale. She also added, “Thanks “We are happy that so much Daddy Andre they remembered us for the kind heart.”

Fetching Water for the Elderly

e didn’t expect church members that, water into the old man’s corona has changed Hit, so when they that would be their drum. “I said, okay!” people. The other day knocked on his door contribution during this he burst into laughter. they brought us food, and asked for his time of corona,” 86year Indeed, the young man now I am seeing water, jerrycan, he thought old Josiah Kakidi from fetched not one but what is happening?” he the village youth had Budaka recalls. two jerrycans of water wondered. The gift that come to rob him. “They for the old man and keeps giving is in the said that they wanted Because he didn’t trust promised to come back philanthropy that many to fetch water for me. them at first, one offered to refill it. like Kakidi above have I asked them why, and to go to the borehole experienced during they said that they with his own jerrycan “I don’t know what is these grim times. had agreed with fellow and then empty the happening, but this 50 EASTERERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE Bunyole’s Waisana Rides Over 50km to Deliver Drugs atrick Waisana, comes to serving people; Waisana, also a former immune system. HIV Pa volunteer at he does his work with a teacher and resident has the potential to Busolwe Hospital rode lot of vigour and always of Bungoma Village in change and develop his bicycle daily to wants to learn more and Butaleja Sub-County, resistance if the viral take ARVs and anti-TB more.” Butaleja District, load isn’t suppressed drugs to patients who A widow and client of understood why it fully...” he told the Daily were due for a refill but Waisana, called him a was important that Monitor. couldn’t access health Godsend. “That man He also said, “In care centers because is just rare,” she said. 2005, I suffered from of the travel ban. The “He saved my life and tuberculosis but thoughtful Waisana when this whole thing because I never missed rode over 50km, is over, I hope I can say my medication it helped expecting no pay. thank you to him.” She me to recover. Even Kirabo Brian, a young had resigned to fate; she these people living man who works in couldn’t walk for over with HIV shouldn’t Busolwe affirmed that 25 kilometers to pick miss taking their drugs indeed Waisana was up her drugs, she had and failure to access one of a kind. “I have decided to let the worst medication could lead known W.W.P meaning happen. Then I heard to poor adherence and Waisana Wiseker him arriving and even the clients got their drug resistance in the Patrick for the last 7 though he looked tired, drugs. “Skipping or long run.” years,” he started. “I he said he had to drop abandoning treatment worked with him in the off more drugs to other affects the reduction same hospital, he is a clients. of the viral load and very devoted man if it The 50-year-old protection of the

Rachel Magoola sensitizes masses in song song by celebrated singer/ Lusoga, an Eastern Uganda local elderly.” Asong writer, Racheal dialect, starts with a plea to This, a short song, easy to learn, Magoola made waves. The song friends and family to please stay and a message that doesn’t look about coronavirus, written in home. “Stay home and save your to mince words explains why the children,” she educates in song. ‘Obangaina’ hit maker is a force “Corona doesn’t have shoes or to reckon with. Complete with a a human calf, when you move, home setting, the message can’t you’re the one that distributes it.” be hard to find and in times like Magoola goes on to call for this, especially when a lot could handwashing, a recommended get lost in translation. Rachel preventive measure whilst nailed it with her straight-to-the- dealing with the virus. Complete point kind of song. with gestures, a little dance, she sings from a home setting with what looks like her family. “Don’t visit me, I won’s visit so we can avoid the spread,” she says. “It kills the young, youthful and the 51 WESTERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE WESTERN UGANDA) Double tragedy: A Call to Help hough still helpless, naked and Mukonjo the Kasese and the help Tengulfed in homeless, so we need chairperson Inter- started arriving. the battle against a lot of interventions religious committee The guild president of coronavirus, Kasese, and going forward, I of Kasese called on University a district located in pray that government well-wishers in the Tundulu Jonathan’s South Western Uganda looks at a total district to contribute donation to Kasese literally found itself reconstruction at generously given caught our eye. He in murky waters. A .” The that the district is donated 100kgs of Ugandan Magazine, woman MP, Winnie faced with multiple maize flour which The Independent, Kiiza told press. calamities. Rev. he delivered to reported that at least It was also reported Mukonjo observed that Hon. Winnie Kizza, over 120,000 persons that religious leaders the government was the Kasese Woman that have been in Kasese District stretched and that it Member of Parliament. displaced by floods were rallying well-to- couldn’t attend to the Many would follow suit. A tweet would also soon catch our eye: Today, People Power Uganda through Hon. Kyagulanyi handed over 13.5mn UGX to Hon. Winnie Kiiza to support fellow Ugandans in Kasese District that were hard hit by floods that destroyed property and livelihoods. We pray for Kasese to recover. Special thanks to Ugandans here and abroad for the that hit the district. do Ugandans in the rising humanitarian contributions. “The fact that they region to contribute needs across the Seeing Ugandans send were forced into relief items towards country. help to the people of internally displaced persons affected by Kasese District Kasese at a time of people’s camps, social the ongoing lockdown Khadi Sheikh Abdu scarcity was humbling, distancing aspects are and floods. It was also Akim Juma said that but also just seeing not being respected reported that residents several people were how the Western and during such a from various places stuck in their houses region showed up time I call upon the had increasingly been with nothing to eat, for the needy is government to speed storming the RDC’s adding that some inspirational. up the process of compound demanding Muslim families were helping out people for relief since the fasting with difficulty with what they can extension of the during the month of use in camps because lockdown. Ramadhan. Their cries they are hungry, Rev Ezra Nyongeza were heard beyond 52 WESTERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE Rallying behind Kasese ntil recently, “The people of Bukonzo the floods and tens of and disposable gloves, UKenneth West County, in Kasese thousands are badly tarpaulins and mama Kabagambe was mostly District of Southwestern affected.” kits. focused on Hepatitis Uganda, Africa, are in He worried that the “With the current B advocacy. Then great need of donations conditions in the pandemic of the floods in Kasese following the recent camps where the happened! Kabagambe, massive floods that displaced people COVID 19 and the founder of the lived, would increase the outbreak of National Organization their vulnerability of Ebola in DR Congo for People Living with contracting COVID which borders the Hepatitis B took to 19, HIV/AIDS/STIs, Kasese district, fundraising for the Hepatitis B, and cholera these vulnerable people devastated by due to poor sanitation. the floods. Besides He added that the communities are making personal pleas communities needed left starving and to friends, through food, mosquito nets, many homeless as his friend, Catherine destroyed much of the sanitary pads, anti- their property and Freeland, he also started area on 22nd May 2020,” malarial drugs, clothes, farmland has been a GoFundMe page Kabagambe said. “Many beddings, kitchen kits, calling upon many to homes and public psychosocial support, swept away by the help one of the worst hit health infrastructure safe water, face masks, flash floods,” he said. places in the district. were destroyed by sanitizers, surgical

Caring Grandmother Feeds Isingiro’s Hungry t 76 years of age, country as a result of Joyce Kaffoko. The Commissioner. “The AJoyce Kaffoko of the COVID-19 Foundation donated purpose of this letter is refused to sit and pandemic, so many 1,000 Kgs of Maize to request your office to watch the vulnerable families have been flour for the vulnerable receive this maize flour, starve. Through her affected financially people of Isingiro. packaged in 200 bags organization, the Joyce leaving them without To ensure that as of 5kgs each for onward Kaffoko Foundation, food supplies and other many households as distribution to the most she has gave a food vulnerable families contribution to the in Isingiro District, people of Isingiro preferably, Masha sub- District. The Joyce county,” he wrote. Kaffoko Foundation is a To show her new Non-Governmental commitment and Organization, with certify that all went operations mainly in well, Musinguzi added the districts of Isingiro that Mrs. Joyce Kaffoko, and Mbarara. basic necessities for possible got food, they the Patron of the survival,” Hannington split it into bags as was Foundation would be “With the ongoing Musinguzi, the NGO’s reflected in their letter available to make this lockdown in the chairman said on behalf to the District Resident handover in person. 53 WESTERN UGANDA) Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A REGIONAL GLANCE The Unpredictable Musical Sensitization Donors 9 year old girl composed a Upon launching this Asong titled Ninza Kwega, song, Sheema Woman magine the shock of locals when the meaning, I will learn. Little MP, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Iorphanage they should have been rescuing instead went on a rescue Murungi and her mother, Rwabukurukuru said that the mission. Yes, Kigezi Orphan Children’s rapper, Emily Kikazi not only song was best placed to help Charity Limited, donated one and a donated food to the vulnerable with the messaging process of quarter tone of maize flour and salt to in Mbarara, but they took to the COVID-19 pandemic in the selected disabled persons families living discussing the virus and all country. within Kabale Municipality. that has unfolded since. “This is a troubling time First was a duet in which and there is need to tap into Reverand Rodgers Mashemererwa, the the two gave tips on how all avenues that can bring Chairman Board of the organization to prevent the virus, then awareness to the public as fast handing over the consignment urged the came the young girl’s solo as possible,” the honorable general public to recognize the fact that disabled persons were badly affected by project. Their song, Twerinde told Online Journal, The the Covid-19 pandemic, and therefore coronavirus (let’s prevent Capital Times. “Music in our needed the helping hand. coronavirus) amassed so much mother tongues is key when “As an organization and our friends, we airplay and put the two at looking for solace or even to brought what we had. If we get anything the forefront of shaping the calm the nerves of the affected later we can bring it here. I want to urge messages on the virus. citizens. It is clear from the other people of good heart to consider message that I have to bring these people in this pandemic. How do comfort to the people through you think they will survive yet they aren’t nothing but tradition and in working?” Mashemererwa told MK news familiar melodies and lyrics.” link. The Honorable As the people with disability received the Rwabukurukuru also much-needed help, 100 less privileged added: “Without doubt, this people is Kihihi town awoke to food and Coronavirus is certainly going soap from the Kihihi Community church. to bring indelible moments Not too far away, Bishop Dan Zoreka of musical communion. donated food worth UGX 32M to Kinkizi There is a lot of power in Christians. On an interesting note, many songs to unify and console people in the urban centers also woke the community this song up to anonymous donations - sugarcane, Interestingly though, another Mwerinde Coronavirus, has fresh beans, bananas, name it. artiste, Lauben Nuwamanya surely struck the right code In , some few residents woke up equally had a song cautioning that goes beyond Sheema to food at their door step. “Me I thought the public against the virus. District. A contact disease has it was someone who wanted to stand for Mwerinde Coronavirus is a no boundaries, so awareness is MP,” one of the beneficiaries said. “We call to community to prevent the key to its prevention.” feared to even eat the things, but because the virus. we were starving, we just ate.” They waited for nearly a week wondering when the donor would show reveal themselves, but this never happened.

The Unpredictable Donors Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 54 WESTERN UGANDA)

A REGIONAL GLANCE Western Uganda giving at a glance

• A young graduate barely • In Kabale, Kyakwazi Denis • Dustbins to be installed in out of school dug into his Nzeirwe on Wednesday gave 200 Kabale, Rugashari and Buseruka savings and donated bags kilograms of rice to Journalists trading centers, hand wash of posho to the people of facilities at the Ebola task Hoima municipality. Lwebuga • Henry Kyarimpa Kiviri donated force location by SBC. 3,000kgs of maize flour to Coastor left many humbled • Hoima Elite football club a and his peers impressed not support the poor and vulnerable families in the district. corporate team that plays health just for the donation but his donated 100kgs of rice to Kitara deliberate effort to sensitize the • Nyamasoga Primary School, FC Municipality’s people. in greater Buseruka Sub county • Mr. Matsiko David of Rugando Hoima district got a new pit Parents School and team, donated • The Rotary Club of Bushenyi latrine courtesy of SBC Uganda food worth UGX 1.5M to the donated 70 bunches of Matooke Ltd. people living within his area. to KIU international students who are stranded in their • A modern pit latrine • Dr. James Garuga Musinguzi hostels in . constructed at Kigaga market by offered 2.3 acres of land located SBC in Butogota Town Council for the proposed site of • The Rotary Club of Bushenyi • A hand pump borehole, a water Health Center 3. donated 70 bunches of Matooke tank of 10,000 liters capacity to KIU international students • Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom installed at Hoima Central police who are stranded in their donated 2,000 litres of sanitisers, station by SBC hostels in Ishaka. 128 boxes of face masks, 16 infrared thermometers and 100 boxes of gloves.

Singer Toniks donates

avid K Muhame of Mushaba Foundation together Dwith singer Allan Ampeire alias Allan Toniks, donated food relief to the Mbarara District coronavirus taskforce chairperson, Lt Col James Mwesigye. While handing over the donation, Muhame said they intended to help people who were locked up in their houses without anything to eat such as boda boda cyclists, orphans, and saloon operators, among others.

They handed over 150Kg of maize flour and 20 bunches of matooke to help the urban poor. Toniks noted that while not many artistes can quickly whip up a song about the pandemic, they could join in donating food for their hungry fans. 55 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Chapter 6

Giving Within Refugee Communities (TALES OF SURVIVAL)

“ It’s from this money that I help my fellow refugees where we live in Gulu town; Posho is the only food a few urban refugees here can afford and share with fellow refugees. We also get support from a few Ugandans who share with us even from their gardens. 56 TALES OF SURVIVAL Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Humanity and Media Ethics

iving to refugees and the needy can be motivating to a journalist. I do Git a lot. Sometimes we do this with words, and other times, the aid is more direct. I am not sure how this can be related to media ethics, but when I give, it makes me feel so good. For example, it was wonderful for my kids and I to share something with refugees (For details, see https://web.facebook.com/photo. php?fbid=1376188512412226&set=a.429869537044133&type=3&theater ). In this lockdown, we helplessly saw how my refugee neighbors, the majority of whom are from DR Congo and , struggle to feed their families. I couldn’t but share what little we have with them. I took a few kilograms of maize floor (posho/for ogali) from my kitchen and shared it with my refugee neighbors. I also got bananas, commonly known as matooke, from my garden and shared them with my refugee neighbors in Kampala.

(See https://web.facebook.com/photo. php?fbid=3188961664468226&set=a.429869537044133&type=&theater ). As journalists, we are human too and when reporting situation of refugees, displaced and other vulnerable groups who are in need it is important to report with a heart. Our humanity is the foundation of our good reporting.

Gloria Laker Aciro – Adiiki is a Ugandan peace journalist; she runs the Refugees and Migration Media Network.

Clinging on: A tale of Kampala’s Urban Refugees in Lockdown he impacts of experience by urban Despite the difficult among ourselves,” Tcoronavirus were refugees living around situation, urban Murefu Piere said. felt world over. Nations the Freedom City refugees adapted were forced into travel mall. The owner of the through solidarity. A refugee in the restrictions and closure mall donated relief Many admitted that outskirts of Kisenyi, a of businesses. Though food to be distributed it was harder to go Kampala suburb noted necessary, these to his customers/ through a lock down that it is important to measures left many in neighbourhood of the in a place you were collectively do what it dire situations. For the multimillion shopping not raised and with no takes to walk out free refugees, hope seemed mall but surprisingly, garden and no food. from this disease and to rise when they left the local leader opted “We have no food yes after that priorities their war-torn countries to give food only to but we have to also can change. Much for other nations. Sadly, Ugandan nationals on focus on what we can as questions about the tranquility they presentation of the do to control getting Uganda’s renowned sought in Uganda and national identification. coronavirus, no matter hospitality circulate outside our homelands This is a situation which how hard it is, now is a given the pathetic state generally, was disrupted taints Uganda’s good prudent way of showing of urban refugees, by the virus. hospitality. unity in this great fight Makuol Majok 37, a There was a painful by sharing and giving resident of Kisenyi 57 TALES OF SURVIVAL Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

explained that many that they have been camps leaving out centers who are not refugee neighbors sharing the little food urban refugees. doing business to used to get food items they have amongst Hon Musa Ecweru, relocate back to the and non-food items settlement for our easy from humanitarian support. organizations and host Some of the refugees communities around, absorbed in Uganda’s however that stopped employment sectors under lock down. like the industrialists, wood work/carpenters “The lockdown has and mechanics who made things harder reopened and resumed for us urban refugees work are carrying in Kampala I believe ultimate responsibility the situation is quite themselves since the Ugandan Minister of of using and sharing understandable. lock down measures State for Relief and the little they make to Restriction of barred many urban Disaster Preparedness put food on the table movement of people refugees from access and Refugees revealed for their families and has meant that many to money generating that plans are under sometimes even fellow people are struggling to activities as they wait way to distribute refugee neighbors. feed their own families, for the corona virus task relief food to urban yet expectations are force in Uganda to come refugees because of the Aggrey Ojok Obwoyo is an high in the refugee to their rescue. Many COVID-19 lockdown. environmental journalist working with Uganda communities”, he refugee humanitarian But he advised that Refugees and Migration added. agencies focused their after the lockdown, Media Network. Makuol further noted attentions to settlement the refugees in urban

A struggle: How Kiryandongo Refugees are Coping with the Lockdown

he corona virus motherland in South of relief items given. of 6 children, says that Tpandemic has Sudan to Midwestern Before lockdown, each it has been difficult caused serious Uganda in Kiryandongo household used to get for her to feed the suffering among District, South 12kg of maize grain and children. “There are refugees. Like other Sudanese refugees are 31,000 Uganda shillings days I am not sure refugee settlements, encountering another on a monthly basis what to give them but Kiryandongo settlement undesirable test - the but this isn’t the case somehow we get what with a population of COVID-19 disaster. now as food ration and to eat, and it’s because 59,114 refugees holding money given to refugees of rainfall we have 9,882 households, is First, they were forced have been reduced greens and you find struggling to stay afloat to flee their countries to 8kg of maize and yourself cooking,” she during the lockdown. of origin because of 22,000 Uganda shillings said. “I am so grateful The refugees are continued violence, and respectively per to my neighbors who mainly from different now a lockdown has household which have sometimes allow me to African countries, with found them in another affected the feeding harvest their cassava. South Sudan having country. But also, there habits of many families. Without their support I the highest number of has been a drastic would not know what to refugees. From their change in portions Ayaa Rebecca, a mother do. It’s my prayer that 58 TALES OF SURVIVAL Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

this disease goes away.” may not be good we cannot move freely, for consumption and because the relief food therefore giving us food some sold,” Ayaa said. In order to minimize will get done in less for 2 months will save gatherings, World than a month which us from starvation and Some youths have Food program began could possibly cause reduce our chances formed groups for hire, of contracting and which have also become spreading the Corona associations of sorts Virus.” that do agricultural work. Should tragedy Luckily, the refugees befall any of them, the in Kiryandongo can group loans monies to find work cultivating be paid flexibly. in different fields around the neighboring Augustine Opra is a settlement camps. “We freelance volunteer also have some refugees journalist working who plant some food with Uganda Refugees distributing ‘double serious starvation in the crops like maize, and Migration Media food ratio’ for May and second month. cassava, greens next to Network. June. Many refugees However, Ayaa thinks their houses. These food worry that this system differently, “Already crops are grown mainly

Gulu’s Urban Refugees Relying on Friends and Neighbors for Food ince the lockdown, money,” he says. Adjumani. Though they since our businesses Sthe South Sudanese When he gets paid, have been allowed to are closed. We now rely urban refugees in Gulu he also helps fellow walk to Adjumani, the on the little we get from have found themselves refugees without a 90kms are impossible to friends and neighbors,” without food. “Porridge source of income. “It’s cover by foot. she narrated. is our main meal,” from this money that I Rachel has been Kaunda Patrick Oyet, Kevin Majok a refugee help my fellow refugees surviving on plaiting a local leader in Gulu in Tegwana a suburb of where we live in Gulu hair in Gulu town but confirmed the suffering Gulu town said. Luckily town. Posho is the for Kevin, she and her only food a few urban neighbors also refugees, refugees here can afford are living alone making and share with fellow it easy to share the refugees. We also get porridge. support from a few Topeny Wilson slashes Ugandans who share grass at people’s homes with us even from their but he must be cautious gardens,” he said. while doing it. “Before 32-year-old mother of I get into their homes, I four, Rachel Akuach, wash my hands. Many also a South Sudanese have washing places refugee living in now that the saloons of the refugees in his in their homes and I Kanyogoga village, in are closed, she has no village and appealed to don’t get close to any Gulu municipality, source of income. “My the agency distributing one until I complete my said that she can no friends and I used to food to jointly deliver work and they mostly longer get her share of plait hair, but most of food reliefs to the pay me using mobile food from the camp in us are now affected refugees in Kanyogoga 59 TALES OF SURVIVAL Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

A village, in Gulu town. not having food is and the movement of camps where it’s easy “It is true the refugee being experienced in the refugees in and out to monitor and support community from Kasubi also a Gulu of Gulu is not allowed” them,” Ecweru said. South Sudan is here in town suburb. According Mapenduzi added. He said for those Kanyogoga A village, to the chairperson When contacted, Hon running business that used to do businesses of Kasubi central Ms Musa Ecweru, Ugandan can sustain them will like hand craft, saloon Ayetto Pollinea the Minister of State for continue to do their work and market urban refugees are in Relief and Disaster business in the centers. vending here in Gulu urgent need of relief Preparedness and Those who have no town for survival, but food. Refugees said that the income were urged to the lockdown has Gulu District state would distribute go back to the camps made it harder for chairman Martin Ojara food. He said however where they can be them because they no Mapenduzi, revealed that it is harder to supported and also be longer work,” he said. that about 2,000 South support the refugees enabled to lead a more According to Kaunda, Sudan refugee nationals when they are away productive life. the local people also registered as refugees from the camps. “After Alex Pithua is a reporter fear that refuges going to get food from the the lockdown I plan to with Uganda Refugees to and from camps to humanitarian agencies meet the urban refugees and Migration Media camps will expose them in the camps in West and encourage those Network based in Gulu to coronavirus. Nile districts. “Public not doing anything The same concern about and private transport productive to go and the urban refugees have been shut down settle in the settlement

Migration of the refugees

am from Boroli received cannot last by engaging in farming savings groups have lost I refugee settlement half a month,” said activities,” Zabel members as many hold in Adjumani. I left Zabel Brigget, a South explains her decision to onto the little they have. my settlement one Sudanese Refugee. leave the camp. “The rate of saving (the month ago due to the Since the lockdown, the “Refugees are also village saving group) outbreak, of corona camps saw a drop in settling for much in the settlement has virus because the food food rations and yet all rural land because the dropped because there their sources of income lockdown has seen local is no way they can get were closed. Some land owners return money, and this has refugees have since home to dig and they made life hard forcing moved further into the are using the land refugee community to villages and rented they used to hire and begin looking for work land from the locals as refugees have to go in the farm,” Zabel worry of a prolonged deeper into the villages says. She believes that lockdown lingers. in order to get free land employment in these “The rural people give to hire at a much lower farms is a form of giving; and share their land price than land closer that at least they gave with us at a lower to town.” Even as they them a job. rate, and they are move further, they have Hassan Hadiah is a quick when it comes noticed many people volunteer journalist to helping refugees. cultivate their land after working with Uganda There are times you government encouraged Refugees and Migration hire a land from a rural citizens to cultivate food Media Network based in land owner and you are in case of a prolonged Adjumani given more, so this is lockdown. how we are overcoming She says that since the the COVID-19 lockdown lock down, the refugee 60 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Chapter 7 GIVING: PERSPRECTIVES

“ CSR post-COVID-19 will need to be radically different. It should focus on addressing the root causes of many of the inefficiencies in Africa, which are strongly linked to bad governance and weak institutions. To meet this goal, Corporate Social Responsibility...... needs to become Collaborative Social Responsibility.”

Kenneth Amaeshi 61 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

In this section, we bring you articles by 3 Ugandans, on their take on giving in the time of COVID-19. These articles are meant to spark conversations on our collective giving as a nation, but also to stir you to reflect on your own perceptions about giving during the lockdown. Corporate Philanthropy And The Covid-19 Crisis In Uganda. written by Collins Tumukunde. lawyer and research contributor at the Mawazo Policy Research Institute.

A Critical Analysis

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis and the subsequent lockdown imposed by government, corporate CEOs have shown great leadership in ramping up the charge for corporate philanthropy to support ordinary Ugandans affected by the lockdown. Individuals, learning, religious and cultural institutions have followed suit. This article argues that corporate philanthropy during the COVID-19 crisis enhances the shareholder, stakeholder and intrinsic value of the company. The article also argues that the state centralization of philanthropy as a result of instituting the National Taskforce on COVID-19 diminishes the freedom of private actors and is inherently weak and less effective in enhancing the welfare of people during this covid-19 crisis.

INTRODUCTION. UK has also made the same interventions by paying up to 80% of the wages of furloughed oronavirus, also called COVID-19 has workers. Cbeen declared a global pandemic, meaning it will have sustained global The African response to effects of impact. Governments worldwide have COVID-19 lockdown: imposed lockdowns to encourage social A case of Uganda. Most African countries distancing and isolation. As a result, the cannot afford to introduce social safety nets global economy has plunged with experts like those employed in Western countries. predicting another economic recession Only a handful of countries like Kenya that might supersede the 2008 financial and have put in place social crisis. Governments worldwide have made economic interventions to support people locked in their homes and stimulate businesses that have been affected by the lockdowns. Measures taken by central banks worldwide have included cutting interest rates, fiscal and monetary stimulus, quantitative easing to mention a few. A case in point is the ‘helicopter money’ intervention by the US government to help families, and businesses withstand the protection measures. This is largely in part economic haemorrhage caused by covid-19. 62 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

because African countries do not have enough money to do more. Between 2010 and 2018, average public debt in sub-Saharan Africa has risen from 40% to 59% of GDP. Any fiscal response on the scale seen in the rich world would require outside help. This therefore begs the question: How South Africa have African countries responded to the effects of COVID-19 has a $ lockdown to populace. In the case of Uganda, the answer 26.3 billion has been wide scale philanthropy. Perhaps out of genuine Coronavirus realization that their governments can only do so much, or economic conscientiousness towards the plight of ordinary people, package for private individuals and corporate companies have engaged businesses in philanthropy to help the population that has been put out and citizens. of work cope with the lockdown. This paper will analyze and critique the philanthropic approach and the state in Uganda. set Particularly about whether a state centric philanthropy up a $ 544 approach that has been adopted in Uganda is the most million relief effective and efficient way of utilizing limited resources fund for offered by private individuals, corporate companies, cultural businesses and religious institutions. and citizens over Coronavirus. Philanthropy in Uganda.

hilanthropy derived philanthropos means voluntary, Pactive, non-reciprocal efforts (financial, organizational, Botswana human resources, etc.) by an entity with the sole purpose has a $ 168 of benefiting human beings, or fulfilling an unmet social million relief need, regardless of any specific return on investment for the fund to assist donor. The primary responsibility for human development businesses in undoubtedly rests with national governments and their paying salaries administrations. However, government burdened by of their continuing deficits may lack the resources to effectively employees. address many pressing national concerns. Therefore, private individuals, large corporations and other religious and cultural institutions can fill this gap by engaging in philanthropy. 63 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Philanthropy as a concept has always been key to promoting the social welfare of society. Although parallel to the state, philanthropy has always reinforced state efforts to improve the living conditions of the wider society where the state cannot reach. As a result, philanthropy has buffered the state against social discontent and uprising, hence preserving it. David Owen, an English historian argues that during the Tudor era in England, the key motivating factor in the enthusiasm that was shown for philanthropy was the realization by the donors that failure to address social problems associated with poverty would harm the wider fabric of society and perhaps lead to unrest and even revolt. In African countries like Uganda that are already burdened by budget deficits, the state may not have the capacity to address the effect caused by the lockdown on the economic survival of most Ugandans. Mr Matia Kasaija, the ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has stated that the low activity in the industry and service sectors as a result of the government lockdown will result into loss of jobs, further leading to a decline in economic growth and an increase in the level of poverty. He has stated that; ‘’ The number of people that could be pushed into poverty is estimated at approximately 780,000.’’

Without any state intervention, these large traditional institutions, small businesses, sections of Ugandans could degenerate wealthy individuals, musicians et al. The into social malcontents and becoming a government has responded to this wave by danger to the establishment. Philanthropy state centralizing all philanthropic efforts therefore offers a much-needed lifeline made by individuals, companies and to to ensure their survival in these tough avoid exacerbating the spread of the virus. economic times. Following the declaration According to the state, some politicians of the lockdown in Uganda as a result of engaging in cheap politicking of offering aid coronavirus, a group of CEOs from the would attract crowds hence endangering private sector have offered leadership the lives of the people. communities around by ramping up the charge for corporate them. Therefore, the government has set up philanthropy which has gained traction the National Taskforce through which all in all spheres of society ranging from philanthropic efforts would be channeled religious institutions, cultural and and well-coordinated. 64 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

To give or not to give: What does the law say about giving?

he primary responsibility Tfor human development The initial position under common law undoubtedly rests with national was that a company has no power to make governments and their democratic a gift out of corporate property or assets institutions. However, the inability unless such payments of were reasonably of overburdened government incidental to the carrying out of the resources to meet society’s most company’s business and was meant for pressing needs has reinforced the benefit of the company for example to the necessity for philanthropy contribute to its property or assets. This in Uganda especially during is based on the predominant assumption this COVID-19 crisis. A lot of that the company’s predominant purpose contributions have been made is to make profits, also known as the to government during this crisis. shareholder value theory. As was stated in Most notably contributions from the words of Lord Justice Bowen:ii corporate companies like MTN, Crown beverages, Toyota Uganda, Mukwano industries, Vivo Energy, Multichoice Uganda to mention a few. i For several decades, corporate activities to promote ‘’The law does not say that human welfare and increase positive impacts on society over there are not to be cakes and above their business activities and ale but there are to be have been regarded as an integral part of their corporate social cakes and ale excerpt such responsibility. But not without as required for the benefit judicial scrutiny. So, what does the law say about companies engaging of the company’’. in philanthropic drives?

This position of law prevailed when old provisions of the Companies Act required that company’s objects be clearly stipulated and ultra vires doctrine applied to invalidate any transactions against the company’s objects clause. However, in light section 7(5) of the Companies Act that allows companies to carry out general commercial activities that are incidental or conducive to the carrying on of any trade or business by it, the ultra vires doctrine may not apply to invalidate gifts or donations made by companies. This is because there is nothing to say that business and profits must come first. Given the separation of ownership and management in corporate structure, that is the transfer of corporate power from owners to managers, decisions about corporate policies are now made by those who are not owners i.e. the directors (Bearle and Means). Corporate philanthropy has depended on predominantly on the social values, sensitivity and awareness of a firm’s top management. Those managers who as private individuals value benevolence and welfare enhancement of the needy have been likely to apply their intrinsic concern for others in the corporate context and support the company’s engagement in corporate philanthropy. However, the propriety of directors spending money belonging to members of the company has at times been questioned by the shareholders. In the Grundt v Great Boulders Proprietary Gold mines,iii Cohen J stated: 65 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

“there is nothing unusual in the shareholders not being allowed to interfere in matters which have been deliberately placed under the control of the directors”

The directors are the mind and will of the specific constituencies). The underlying corporation, the very ego and centre of the rationale is that the company receives personality of the company.iv They have benefits such as higher consumer loyalty; the power to act on behalf of the company deeper employee commitment and including taking part in philanthropic motivation due to the greater pride they activities. In undertaking this role, they take in the organization; and improved may be accountable for their actions public image as a responsible member if they act unlawfully or fraudulently. of society and a ‘good’ corporate citizen. The Companies Act under section 198 Giving back to the various constituencies allows directors to act in a manner that that grant the company its societal license promotes the success of the business of to operate preserves and enhances the company. It also allows directors to the value of corporate assets. It can act in good faith in the interests of the generate positive ‘moral capital’ among company as a whole. Acting in the interests communities and stakeholders beyond the of the company means adding value to company’s direct business relationships. the company. In recent times, there has Such ‘moral capital’ as a result of the been a trend towards stakeholder value firm’s philanthropic activities can provide as opposed to shareholder value theory a company and its shareholders with an which mainly focuses on making profits. “insurance-like protection for a company’s Today, the company is required to play the intangible assets in the event of accidents role of good corporate citizenship and as a or other unfortunate incidents. Where part of society, the company is expected to corporate management is perceived to be part of the solution to problems affecting socially aware and responsive to others’ it despite the fact the shareholder value needs, unfortunate accidents cannot be still persists. For shareholder value theory, attributed to corporate greed. Therefore, corporate objectives like social value and to soften the stance carried by shareholder profits cannot be maximized at the same value, one could look at enhanced corporate time, constituting – at least in the short reputation or increased employee term – a direct goal conflict. As a result, morale as elements that contribute to the a focus on profit maximization is likely to financial gain of the company. However, exclude bankrolling philanthropy from in contrast to short term financial gain, corporate funds – for reasons set out stakeholder value is difficult to quantify. by Milton Fried man many years ago.v. No accepted standards, accounting metrics On the other hand, according to the or performance benchmarks exist for stakeholder value perception, companies measuring social returns to the company. should engage in corporate philanthropy Furthermore, stakeholder value accrues in order to satisfy the requests and over the long term; it does not appear in expectations of stakeholders (e.g. civil quid pro quo fashion in the next quarterly society organizations, neighbouring results. communities, employees and other 66 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

astly, engaging in corporate philanthropy actions they disapprove.vi Lduring the COVID-19 crisis can be According to Bowmans, a top tier law firm in construed as being in the interest of the Uganda,vii the most common form of business company because of the intrinsic value that vehicle in Uganda is Private limited liability arises from being part company.viii A private limited liability he intrinsic value of the solution to the company can have one or two share holders Tproposition states COVID-19 crisis. The but its members must not exceed 100.ix The that companies can intrinsic value lies in shareholders can take any form ranging be part of the solution the results themselves from natural persons to corporate bodies to social, ecological for example reduction or non ugandan share holders. In Uganda, problems like the of child mortality. In most private limited liability companies are COVID-19 pandemic on relation to COVID-19, privately held companies owned by close a needs-oriented basis, the value can lie in family relations with few share holders who without expectation of avoiding social unrest have overlapping duties as directors of the reward. and revolt that can company. Therefore, the decision whether to arise from prolonged effects of lockdown like engage in corporate philanthropy is taken by poverty. Therefore, engaging in corporate both the owners and directors of the company. philanthropy during this COVID-19 pandemic In such instances, there are no competing enhances the shareholder, stakeholder and interests between shareholders and directors intrinsic value of the company. In so doing, the and the power exercised by the company to corporate management would be furthering engage in philanthropic activities cannot be the interests of the company excerpt in challenged. situations where it would be pernicious to the company’s assets, fraudulent or unlawful. Other society stakeholders like individuals, Neither the shareholders nor the courts would religious and traditional cultural institutions challenge the powers exercised by the directors have responded to the call by the president to engage in corporate philanthropy during to help respond to the effects of COVID-19. this COVID-19 crisis because it would be within Traditional cultural institutions Kingdom of the director’s duties i.e. promoting the interests Buganda donated items worth shs. 100 million, of the company as a whole in accordance with the kingdom of Bunyoro Kitara donated a section 198. The only way shareholders can total sum of shs 60 million. Religious and control the exercise of powers vested by the learning institutions have also widely donated article in directors is by altering those articles, to the National Taskforce in the fight against or if the opportunity arises under the articles, COVID-19. by refusing to re-elect the directors of whose

Challenges with the law

Most companies and individuals are making donations to the National Taskforce on COVID-19. These donations are not subjected to tax deduction in accordance with the income tax Act as the government is not among the defined exempt organizations. 67 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

State attitude towards Philanthropy during the COVID-19 crisis

he state suspicion towards philanthropic without handing over their resources to the Tefforts made by “politicians” who are National Taskforce have been apprehended self-serving has caused philanthropy during by the police. A case in point is the arrest of the COVID-19 crisis to be centralized. The Mityana member of Parliament, Francis Zaake government has put in place the National for distributing food to his starving electorate Taskforce for COVID -19 response where all in this ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.x philanthropic efforts in the fight against the Basically, philanthropy may be done but only crisis and its effects should be directed. The through the National Taskforce on COVID-19. justification made by the President for setting It can be argued that the state centralization up the National Taskforce is to avoid people’s of philanthropy has encouraged more giving lives getting endangered by self-serving by the private sector and other cultural politicians who attract crowds when offering and religious organizations as well as the aid to people affected by the lockdown. Another external non state actors like the US embassy justification is to coordinate philanthropic as philanthropic efforts continue to increase efforts made by the private sector in order to rapidly. However, the question is whether benefit the wider populace using government state centralization philanthropy is the most structures already in place. As a result of effective way of reducing the economic strain state centralization of philanthropy, all the lockdown is having on ordinary Ugandans philanthropic efforts made by the private who are merely surviving during this period. sector has been banned. Individuals found taking part in direct philanthropic acts Shortcomings and analysis.

Private sector while offering aid. They can do so by tate organizations and targeting the people who need relief items centralization S individuals would be more than others. Government by nature of philanthropy better placed to carry out tends to be more egalitarian when bringing takes away the philanthropic activities services and goods to the people and is more freedom of private because they have more concerned about general welfare whereas sector donors to experience in donating individuals and private sector organizations directly engage in to the public and have would be more concerned with strategic philanthropy. a vested interest in goals of offering goods and services which ensuring that their relief aid is utilized therefore can lead to better utilization of to good ends as opposed to government relief resources. However, due to strategic actors who are merely doing their job preferences of individuals and private while distributing relief aid. Private sector organizations, this would place a bigger organizations would be motivated with burden to these groups to reach as many amassing social and moral capital that would people as possible which they can easily accrue from giving to the population under discharge by handing over to a centralized lockdown. Therefore, their direct relief efforts authority like the National taskforce to would be more deliberate. distribute. The main shortcoming being that the state may not utilize the relief to achieve Secondly, private sector organizations and the strategic goals of the individual or private individuals can easily positively discriminate organization. 68 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Recommendations for improvement.

nstead of centralizing philanthropic through the National Taskforce on COVID-19, the Igovernment should enable the private sector to directly engage in philanthropy by issuing Ministry of health standing operating guidelines to be followed when providing relief. This would enhance the freedom of the private sector to provide relief items like food to targeted groups like people in slum areas.

It is recommended that the Income Tax Act be amended to allow the private sector benefit from tax deductions on donations regardless of whether they are made to exempt organizations or not. As long as the donations are for philanthropic or charitable ends. It is also further recommended that the tax deductible amount for donations by the private sector be extended from 5% to 10% so as to encourage more philanthropy.

Conclusions.

he response by corporate entities, individuals, religious and cultural institutions to ease Tthe burden on the people most affected by the COVID-19 lockdown shows that there is a lot of potential for philanthropy to improve the social welfare of Ugandans. The crisis has shown that Corporate management can be a substantial force for good: indeed “it is companies, not abstract economic forces or governments which create and distribute most of society’s wealth, innovate, trade and raise living standards.”xiii Therefore, the government ought to recognize the potential of corporate philanthropy and make power conferring rules through which these corporate entities can obtain privileges as a result of engaging in philanthropy. A case in point is amending the income tax Act to provide for tax deductions on philanthropic efforts made by the private sector regardless of whether it is made to exempt organizations or not.

The Ugandan government can only do so much. Instead of government being suspicious of non-government philanthropic actors and looking to control them, the government should put in place Ministry of health standing operation guidelines to enable them engage in philanthropy directly rather than leaving the state to be the only one to intervene on their behalf. i Robert Kabushenga’s twitter handle, ‘A summary of corporate effort as of 4th April 2020’, https://twitter.com/rkabushenga/status/1246274103222337539?s=19 accessed on April 4, 2020 at 9:11 Am. ii Hutton v West Cork Rly Company (1883) 23 Ch D 654. iii (1937) 59 CLR 641. iv Lennard’s carrying co ltd v Asiatic Petroleum ltd (1915) AC 705. v Friedman M: The Social Responsibility of Business is to increase its profits, The New York Times Magazine, September 13, 1970. vi John Shaw & sons ltd v Shaw [1935] 2 KB 113. vii Leading Firms, https://www.legal500.com/c/uganda/leading-firms/ . viii Bowmans, ‘A brief guide to doing business in Uganda’, 2019, 8. ix Section 5 of the Companies Act 2012. x Barbara Nalweyiso, ‘Virus lockdown: MP Zaake arrested for distributing relief food’, Daily Monitor, Sunday April 19, 2020, https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Virus-lockdown-MP-Zaake-arrested-distributing-relief- food/688334-5529128-7ar8yy/index.html accessed on April 28, 2020 at 7:54 PM. xi Admin, ‘Photos! Police recover beans, maize at home of Arrested OPM Commissioner Martin Owor’, The Ugandan wire, April 10, 2020, http://theugandanwire.com/2020/04/10/photos-police-recover-beans-maize-at-the-home-of-arrested-opm- commissioner-martin-owori/ accessed on April 28, 2020 at 9:11 PM. xii Admin, ‘Local council leaders accused of demanding sex in exchange for COVID-19 Gov’t relief food’, The Ugandan Wire, April 22 202, http://theugandanwire.com/2020/04/22/local-council-leaders-accused-of-demanding-sex-in-exchange-for- covid-19-govt-relief-food/ accessed on April 28, 2020 at 8:49 PM. xiii Birkinshaw J/ Piramal G. (Eds): Sumantra Goshal on Management: A force for Good (FT Prentice Hall) Harlow 2005, p.2. 69 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

With Young People In The Lead, The Future Of Giving In Uganda

Couldn’t Get Any Better. - Benjamin Rukwengye CEO, Boundless Minds he organization that I lead, we had run 40 Days Over 40 world. TBoundless Minds, had been Smiles Foundation, arguably training university students the leading youth-led crowd So when I sought out the CAF and recent graduates on work- funded charity organization World Giving Index which readiness for two years. Our in Uganda. Galvanizing the measures giving behavior in a reviews deduced that the need goodwill of thousands of young country, it was only to confirm was greater than our methods people through social media, we my bias. The 10 year aggregated and resources could meet. had enabled over 3000 children scores and ranking places born in vulnerable communities Uganda in 35th position, with an If we were going to prepare to access education, built overall score of 38%. every student in University and dormitories, a library, hosted The index measures countries by proportion of population giving rather than how much they give. It relies on a simple averaging of the proportions of people who answer “Yes” to three key questions: In the last month have you…

1. Helped a stranger, or someone you didn’t know who needed help? 2. Donated money to a charity? 3. Volunteered your time to an Vocational school to make that several medical camps, and run organisation? transition from school-to-work, literacy camps. we would have to go online. Our There is a tendency to equate dream was to build a digital On December 31, we hit the giving and generosity with mentorship platform that would $5000 mark to start building The money. In a country such open access to content and Mentor. We were able to do this as Uganda where the youth mentors to any student, because young people on the component of the population internet, friends, strangers and continues to bulge, with regardless of where they were. acquaintances, showed up to see thousands getting drawn into But we didn’t have the money for this dream come to life. nonprofit work, asking these it; and had been turned down by kinds of questions is important funders several times My suspicion, having led exactly because it puts youth So we turned to the public, in and participated in tens at the centre of giving. It December 2019, and raised of fundraising campaigns, validates their time and skills $5000 to start building The mobilizing youth to give of and networks, which they so Mentor – our dream platform. their time, resources, skills willingly give. I was sure that we would raise and networks is that Uganda this amount because for 7 years, ranks high up among the most That’s why now more than ever, together with a group of friends, philanthropic countries in the you will have seen young people 70 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

involved in some way, in acts continue to learn and grow and activity, we shall probably of philanthropy as a result hope even in this moment. see a lot more young people of COVID-19 destabilization. volunteering their time and From running social media Or even pooling together to talent. campaigns rallying their share their insights and expert peers to donate food items knowledge on a broad range of Research shows that the older to vulnerable children and topics, to help others learn and people get, the more they drift women in slum communities; cope – through webinars, tweet towards donating money and supporting health workers with chats, facebook live, zoom, et al. away from giving of their time supplies or even volunteering What’s even more encouraging and talent. In that regard, for to drop them off at work – when is the fact that you can bet on a country as young as Uganda, the ban on public transport was this spirit outliving the difficult you can bet on the future of imposed – at the risk of their times we currently face, even if philanthropy growing beyond own lives. youths will be the hardest hit – levels that we can imagine. economically. You should also hope that we Or throwing free online capture and report data on all concerts so that everybody can Older people are the least likely manner of giving – whether stay still retain some semblance to help a stranger, particularly it be in fulfillment of social of sanity. Creating and sharing in the developed world. Without commitments, to keep others education content so that a lot of money to donate and a afloat, or just because. children, especially those from lot more time on their hands vulnerable backgrounds can due to a shift in economic 71 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

Political Giving and the Politics of Giving in the . Covidian Age - Andrew Karamagi Lawyer and human Rights Activist

Vito Corleone raised his hands in surprise. “I am asking you a favour, only that. One never knows when one might need a friend, isn’t that true? Here, take this money as a sign of my goodwill and make your own decision.” “He thrust the money into Mr. Roberto’s hand. “If you want the woman out of your house, how can I stop you? It’s your property, after all. If you don’t want the dog in there, I can understand. I dislike animals myself.” He patted Mr. Roberto on the shoulder. “Do me this service, eh? I won’t forget it. Ask your friends in the neighbourhood about me, they’ll tell you I am a man who believes in showing his gratitude.” The Godfather

Summary e Ugandans are a remarkably generous peoples. But it appears that the ruling political class Wand its oligarchs are stretching their luck and taking advantage of our giving culture. While the President scores political points and basks in the limelight, affecting the image of a great visionary, we are being fleeced. He has studiously avoided pertinent questions on public finance management specifically, and economic governance in general and recast himself as a humorous and affable grandpa. Yet nothing could be farther from the truth.

Detail or a society as religious and extends to salt. A proverb exists food upon returning from a Fcommunal as Uganda, giving in many dialects depicting how countryside trip just as farming is woven into our upbringing and strong enmity between adjacent communities in the countryside social fabric, across ethnicities and status.

Car washes, marathons, food drives, fundraisers and other commonplace acts of charity confirm the national character of our largesse. The terminally ill, accident victims and disaster ravaged communities have gotten a fresh lease of life from these acts of solidarity. homesteads must be if they share their harvest with In fact, it is not socially awkward cannot occasionally get salt from neighbours. for one to light their sigiri each other’s houses. (earthenware stove) using The widely respected clergy and hot coals from a neighbour’s Amongst the higher classes, clerics of the most populous kitchen. The same courtesy neighbours will give each other religious traditions have 72 PERSPECTIVES Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

ensured that almsgiving is sparking off a row that has thousand shillings each so as to etched into our psyche. pitted an irate Speaker against plug a shortfall in the estimated And so when the raging the President. Court ruled 170 billion budget. typhoon of a runaway virus the appropriation unlawful made landfall, it found a and halted the payments to Majority Ugandans country that is culturally and parliamentarians. State House who are being asked by socially inclined to weathering has kept the four hundred storms by pulling together. billion shillings it received as Emmanuel Katongole When the Commander-in- classified expenditure as did to make up the budget Chief sounded the drum, we the security and intelligence shortfall are living in responded. Corporations, community which was allotted uncertainty and on cultural and religious up to eighty billion. shoestring budgets. The organisations, academic It is worth noting that anxiety corporate sector, which institutions and individuals and anger over the pace of from all walks (including government’s food distribution has led in donations, is children), overwhelmingly has regularly ticked off unrest at the same time laying answered the call to the tune in several locations, requiring off employees—a classic of twenty-one billion shillings. the intervention of law case of keeping up Countrywide, district task enforcement. appearances. forces are running the relief effort. Opposition politicians whom For anyone, at such a time, the President decreed were to brazenly ask worried and The operation run into barred from distributing desperate Ugandans for yet headwinds when the Office of food lest they be charged another contribution reveals the Prime Minister—the nerve with “attempted murder” the degree of aloofness that centre for disaster management have mostly called his bluff. informs the thoughts and and relief operations—hit They have either donated to actions of our country’s an iceberg that exposed a the authorities or altogether untouchables. multibillion scandal pertaining gone ahead and distributed to the procurement and quality rations. One such legislator It also suggests that the of the food rations. is hospitalized, following an otherwise reputable people apparent ordeal of torture who constitute the national It would soon be the turn during detention. taskforce and cabinet do not of the National Assembly to understand the essence of the endure a walk of shame as they Amidst the fog, two incidents social contract, which is what appropriated over a trillion have dampened the country’s gives the state the right to shillings with a sweetener mood and swayed it towards impose taxes from which the of ten billion shillings for a palpable but suppressed billions of shillings already each legislator in the name of cynicism. The President made allocated are funded. combating the spread of the a personal donation of one virus. million four hundred thousand It is scandalous enough that shillings. This was followed more than a trillion has been Sensing the pulse of the public, by the Chairperson of the stolen from us in one quarter— the President distanced himself National Taskforce, Emmanuel this handshake should not go from the mess and threw the Katongole, who asked salaried beyond the elbow. Please don’t House under the yellow bus— Ugandans do donate ten 73 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19

forget the 120 billion shillings that was given by the European Union!

The plot thickens when one remembers recent presidential donations to musicians Catherine Kusasira and Bebe Cool who were given 600 million apiece, Full Figure and Eddy Kenzo who received 300 million shillings each, Big Eye and DJ Michael who received 30 million each and the 100 million that was given to events promoter for the president to donate investors cut wages and layoff Balaam Barugahare. such a negligible amount, only employees! Meantime, another to be followed by an oligarch trillion, veiled as supplementary Ugandans who are rightly who leads the taskforce to ask expenditure, has disappeared questioning the audacity of Ugandans for more. into the COVID-19 abyss. a President who finds it fit to make a personal donation of one Moreover, in a country that The relative silence and million four hundred thousand is as steeped in cronyism as modesty of ordinary shillings to a national cause. Uganda, only the gods know That he and his colleagues how much in tax breaks Ugandans in the face expect the public to be gratified, and other unofficial favours of disaster is an act of yet his fingerprints have the multinationals and civility—it should not be been found at many scenes of corporations that have donated mistaken for idiocy, as previous heists, reveals an acute vehicles and money are going Museveni routinely refers case of hubris. to be rewarded with. The same to Ugandans. to be recovered from already His penchant for bragging overtaxed Ugandans in fresh “Kwiba zaburiire, about how wealthy he is leaves taxes due next month. nitakushekyerere.” a bad taste in the mouth at a After destroying your moment like this. One would As it were, the national coffers garden, the birds should want to inquire into whether are already losing one and a not add insult to injury by the sheer cost of delivering half trillion shillings annually that paltry cheque, knowing in the tax holiday galore, laughing at you. the opulence of the president’s ostensibly a policy measure that motorcade and security seeks to encourage investment detail, did not exceed the very and job creation as the same donation he gave. It is an insult Plot 18, Balikuddembe Road, Naguru Kampala, Uganda P.O Box 4310 Tel: +256 393 224 056 civsourceafrica.com | [email protected]