VOLUME 4 A Compilation of stories on Giving in the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic in

Period Covered August-September 2020 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]

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Table of Contents

5 Foreword 6 Acknowledgements 7 Acronyms

8 Background

Chapter 1 9 Corporate Giving

Chapter 2 15 Giving In Crisis

Chapter 3 19 Public To The Rescue

Chapter 6 Chapter 4 32 Children: A Tale Of 22 Donating Much-Needed Blood Adorable Givers

Chapter 7 38 Giving Within The Arts

Chapter 8 42 Giving Information

Chapter 9 45 Thinking Post-Coronavirus

Chapter 5 24 Giving To Special Groups Chapter 10 47 Outside The Ugandan Borders Foreword

e are honored to bring you consistently showcase how all kinds Wthe forth and final installment of individuals and communities are of the “Generosity During COVID” expressing generosity, especially reports. during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has been a true pleasure looking We think it is important to shift for and recounting these stories and that gaze in a way that enables us to expressions of Ugandan generosity, acknowledge and also think about community solidarity and Ubuntu. how to grow and strengthen giving from the ground up. It is important to Our aim has been to share the stories build the right kind of infrastructure of the ‘little givers’ - those whose that is socially embedded, culturally stories while every bit as worthwhile, appropriate and owned by givers in are not likely to make their way into Africa. the public domain. By telling the story of the ‘little giver’ by which we Finally, telling these stories has mean, those with limited economic reminded us of the power of the means at their disposal, we want to collective. Indeed one of the African show that ALL givers count. proverbs that aptly captures this moment is: “If people come We want to both #ShiftThePower together, they can even mend a - that is, highlight and spotlight crack in the sky.” the great contribution that local communities make to meeting We wish you great reading. development needs and propelling societal advancement, to also Karibu! continually #ShiftTheGaze - from only/mostly big donors and givers CivSource Team with vast amounts of wealth, to Acknowledgements

We owe a great debt of thanks to Ms Caroline Ariba who helped compile the stories in this report. We also thank Ms Barbara Sebalu Sematimba and Ms Jacqueline Asiimwe who helped us edit this report. We thank Mr. Stuart Nsingwire who helped with the publication design.

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. Acronyms

CAO Chief Administrative Officer COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease of 2019 CSR Community Social Responsibility FIFA Federation of International Football Association FUFA Federation of Ugandan Football Association NGO Non-Governmental Organisations OPM Office of the Prime Minister PPE Protective Personal Equipment RDC Resident District Commissioner UGX Uganda Shillings UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees URN Uganda Radio Network USAID US Agency for International Development VHTs Village Health Teams WHO World Health Organisation Background

hen news first The acts of philanthropy marked broke of a deadly the silver lining of the pandemic virus in Wuhan as it is the largest targeted giving City- China, the ever witnessed in Uganda. People, worldW was mostly un-phased. A organisations and initiatives few months later and the virus gave; most gave willingly to share had spread across the world, no whatever they could in kind and in one saw it coming; not even WHO, monetary value. While some of the the body tasked with forewarning giving was broadcast in the media, about potential epidemics. a lot was done behind the scenes The novel coronavirus did not give and in the hard to reach parts of anyone enough warning! communities.

Eventually it was declared a Since giving comes in all forms, the pandemic, but before this, some reports that have documented the countries had sprung into action. accounts of giving of this period, Borders were closed, and the have now reached volume four. general population was put on lockdown and curfew restrictions; This fourth edition reflects on how a response that caused a lot of these acts of giving have matured economic strain. and settled into consistent support from those who can to those who Left without sources of income or cannot support themselves. A food, the poor went hungry; and pattern of social capitalism seems despite the government’s efforts, to be developing a culture of social the help given was not enough. In entrepreneurs, that we would Uganda, the lockdown intensified be keen to follow, post 2020, and in an overnight decision in April beyond the COVID-10 pandemic, 2020, causing visible strain on the to see if this will become an population as the announcement evolution and culture that expects for a total lockdown found many social wealth that responds in unprepared. times of crises.

| 8 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Chapter 1 CORPORATE GIVING

orporates and parastatals alike continued COVID-19 among its health workers. with their giving, and soon lost the zeal to advertise their initiatives, and gained This donation of PPE valued at UGX 74Million (about the true spirit of true Social capital, where $20,000) was given by Standard Chartered Bank in giving and sharing of one’s resources partnership with Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI). becomes organic and less staged. Unlike the onset of the The donation included: disposable coveralls, eye Clockdown, where a list of givers was made public, and goggles, heavy-duty and surgical gloves, aprons, infra- the donations collected centrally, the public collections red thermometers, N95 masks, sanitizer, liquid soap, were then distributed directly to those that needed it. hand wash gel, Jik, sodium hypochlorite, examination Giving became less of a logistical challenge as it became gloves, waste bins, nasopharyngeal swabs among directed to meet an immediate need and became more other supplies. This was given to support the frontline spontaneous and without publicity and marketing healthcare workers at the regional hospital that receives stunts. a large number of patients, increasing the medical staff’s exposure to the virus. The Corporate Affairs Manager, The giving in the months of August-September became Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, Ms. Cynthia Mpanga, more aligned with looking at sustainable support handed the donation to Dr. Alex Andema, Mubende for those in need, other than as once off donations. Regional Referral Hospital Director, as the bank’s quick Donations aimed at combating the spread of the virus, response to the threatening COVID-19 challenge to continued particularly to health institutions. On the the Mubende community. He assured the bank of the 7th August, for example, Mubende Regional Referral good and effective use of the PPE to serve the people of Hospital got the much-needed donation of Personal Mubende. Protective Equipment (PPE) to help curb the spread of

| 9 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Five Million Shillings for Bushenyi An Information Hub to Save Small Businesses etshego Holdings Ltd, under its Lsubsidiary Letshego Uganda, tanbic Bank started the COVID-19 Business continued to help in the fight SInfo Hub to help small businesses get against coronavirus, by donating back on their feet through the challenging UGX 5 Million ($1,350) on the 18th and uncertain time for Africa’s enterprises, August-2020, to Jolly Tibemanya, that include individual entrepreneurs, small the Bushenyi Resident District and medium-sized enterprises and even large Commissioner to support the companies. Most companies started to work taskforce in the prevention against remotely as they planned to restructure to deal Coronavirus and towards support with the cutting of costs, and with the impact of the communities. Mr. Aijukwe that COVID-19 had on smaller businesses, in Giles, Letshego CEO said this would particular. Free online meetings that provide enable the district teams across the business survival toolkits have added great nine sub-counties, five town councils benefit to businesses trying to stay afloat, and a municipality of Bushenyi to do without funding. their work effectively, as well as help support shortages in food, medical The hub is run in partnership with the African and emergency assistance. This Management institute and has since become would be on-going support provided a centralised platform for Stanbic Bank to by Letshego Holdings even after the communicate the bank efforts in responding lockdown period. to the enterprise client needs in Uganda. The CAO, Malik Mahabba, assured the head of personal and business banking Grace donors that this funding will also be Muliisa, stated how they recognise the need to used to create more awareness about grow business continuity into future structures. the virus.

| 10 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Coca-Cola’s Hand Washing Installations

he Namanve-based Coca-Cola like at the Taxi and bus park. TBeverages Africa (Uganda office) Abebe stated Coca-Cola’s continued to help in the country’s commitment to support and battle against the novel coronavirus. participate in prevention campaigns They established 800 public hand against the virus. wash stations across the country, starting with Kampala, Mukono, Upon receiving the hand-washing , Buikwe and Kalungu installations, Dr. Daniel Sentamu, districts. thanked Coca-Cola for increasing access to sanitation stations to Speaking to East Africa Business prevent infections, and lauded them Week, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa for the initiative and urged the General Manager in Uganda, general public to make use of the Melkamu Abebe, said that the August stations as often as possible. donation features 5,000-litre tanks and more than 3,000 -20 litre hand Today, the ’s public wash jerrycans. hand wash stations can be found in Lukaya Town, a well-known major Coca-Cola’s hand washing stations stop for public taxis and buses. The are interventions in crowded areas other hand washing stations can be with a shortage hand washing found in busy street food spots like facilities. Such areas include urban Najjembe, Namawojjolo, Ssenyi, and and peri-urban areas that serve food, Kiyinda areas, along the busy Jinja and where people congregate in large Road Highway, among others. numbers such as a transport stations

Makerere University’s ‘Touchless’ Donation

n August-2020, Makerere University While collecting the donation on behalf of the Idonated three touchless handwashing kits College of Health Sciences (CHS), Dr. Waiswa to Mulago National Referral Hospital and the Gonzaga said the handwashing technology College of Health Sciences (CHS). was a timely and necessary donation to enable appropriate social distancing in the At the event presided over by the Vice- emergency wards where the large volumes Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the and movement of people challenges the University affirmed its commitment to the limited sanitising equipment currently fight against the coronavirus. available. Medical Students attending their clinical According to the official university’s news exams at the department of Health Sciences website Mak -News, the two kits were handed also use the same handwashing stations, that over to the representative of the hospital helps observe social distancing among the director, Dr. Christine Byanyima, who said many students as well. the kits would go a long way in the helping prevent infections, particularly in the Makerere University School of Technology crowded areas of the hospital. invented the TW-20 kit as innovative technology in response to the COVID-19 To date, Mulago Referral hospital has Pandemic. These kits limit contact with treated thousands of COVID-19 patients and surfaces while dispensing sanitising liquid or currently has 50+ new cases, daily. Due to the soap, while maintaining hand hygiene. This more relaxed restrictions of level 3, Uganda’s will go down as one of the many impactful incidence rate is higher through community donations made by Makerere University spread of the disease, making it more evident during the lockdown, 2020. that the more patients are yet to come in.

| 11 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity A Different Type of Giving

If necessity is the mother of invention, then MTN Uganda’s campaign has they sought out mothers creativity is it’s father” Einstein. of celebrities to communicate the importance the importance of wearing masks by addressing all children “This season has incited the need to do things differently to do so, and using video recordings, have created a and by the end of August-2020, Telecom giant MTN means for mothers in the nation to be seen by many launched its all Africa “#WearItForMe Everywhere as addressing the populace. Next, the celebrities made you go” campaign in 21 African countries and in its videos in return, agreeing to do as their mothers have Middle Eastern markets. With the wearing masks being asked – playing on the role of the African mother whose the most effective preventative measures to slow the word is often respected and deserving of a positive spread of the virus and accelerate recovery, MTN is response. helping drive this much-needed change in behaviour, by committing its September 2020 marketing resources Explaining the campaign, the company’s president and to encouraging everyone to do more to save lives. CEO, Ralph Mupita said “Wearing a mask is not only The everyday practise has been that many people about protecting oneself but about respecting and negate the importance of wearing masks and refuse to protecting others, over and above the required regular wear them, of they wear them incorrectly. handwashing and strict social distancing which are just as important.”

Africell on Awareness

fricell another information on the radio, social telecommunications media, and Africell website. company, also joined the Africell mobile customers also campaignA in raising awareness had free access to essential about the need to prevent the websites related to health, spread of the virus. media, information, e-learning, Their campaign was focused on and government data, such as staying at home while providing www.who.int or www.academia. benefit of using their daily edu without using personal data airtime and data packages. First bundles. was the ‘Stay Home Bonuses’, which encouraged customers to Through their ‘Emergency stay home while communicating Connectedness’ campaign, with friends, loved ones, and Africell also donated free colleagues at a discounted rate. emergency communication packs to the public, comprising Next was the ‘Stay Safe’ of free 20 minutes and 20Mb campaign, which was Africell valid for 3 months. This was committing their August/ Africell’s way of contributing September marketing budget to the importance of being to provide a constant flow connected and informed during of trustworthy news and the pandemic. | 12 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Data for a Good Cause

hen Give Directly, an into fiscal economy NGO funded by USAID for 2020, was supported by MTN needed to donate funds to and Airtel telecommunication theW most vulnerable populations in companies, with no expectations Lira District, the telecommunication from the beneficiaries to sign -up as sector played a great role in securing MTN or Airtel users. $10 Million (about UGX Shs 36 Billion) towards livelihood support Through, socio-economic data of the for 120,000 families in Uganda telecom companies, mobile phone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, users from any network that could in direct cash transfers. be identified as living in the poorest areas in each parish, were contacted According to The Observer, a total of for consent for a cash transfer to be $750, 000 (about UGX 2.7 Billion) in sent to them for withdraw at their cash transfers via mobile money cell network payout point. phone, that took place on August 6 and benefited about 10,000 people They were reached either through from three parishes, when they each SMS messages, automated calls, received UGX 100,000 ($27). or call centre agents. Without the telecom infrastructure, this timely Michael Kayemba, the Country donation would not have been Director of Give Directly, said that executed seamless as it was. the direct cash transfers injected

Giving and Social Distance

resh Diary corporation safety gear such as masks, gloves, found a way to join the social sanitisers, and maintaining social distancing campaign right distancing to re-assure consumer Ffrom the beginning of the lockdown safety. Payment for the orders would and well into September. be made via mobile money or cash on delivery. The campaign was called ‘Stay safe - Stay healthy’, introduced free home Jumia, an eCommerce platform, deliveries of all their products areas, did the same when they offered to all customers in Kampala and the to support marketplaces, with Greater Kampala areas of Entebbe, logistics, and online payments to Wakiso, and Mukono districts. The governments in Africa. The project general manager of Fresh Diary, which was part of their global Mr. Joseph Awino announced that action against the COVID-19, this service would be available secured online payments options throughout the week simply by that avoided physical queues and contacting the customer care toll did away with face to face money free line on 0800100020/21 or transactions, and potentially WhatsApp 0715744664 throughout reduce the person to person the day (8:00am to 6:00pm) to place infection. The platform services also orders for free delivery. included giving free food deliveries across Kampala City, and heavily The deliveries would be done by the discounted on sanitary pads costs Photo credit: Kawowo.com corporation’s motorbike delivery for girls and women. team equipped with health and

| 13 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Contraceptives at your Door

imilarly, SafeBoda, a Betty Nagadya, a Village Health transport company and Team member attached to Sentema online market place, did Health Centre II, stated how this Sthe same, by delivering female was such a welcome addition contraceptives door to door to towards meeting her community’s the great number of women that reproductive health needs. She needed this service. This was a confirmed that SafeBoda delivered partnership between UNFPA to over the counter contraceptives ensure that Ugandans had access (like Postinor the emergency oral to contraceptives at a time when contraceptive), condoms and movement to shops and commercial other services such as HIV test kits, outlets was limited. pregnancy test kits, and Mama kits and continue to do so. Speaking to UNFPA in July-2020,

| 14 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Chapter 2 GIVING IN CRISIS

n this chapter, we recognise people who gave opportunity to celebrate Uganda’s generosity. They in spite of not having much. These are people used the situation to show how human rights can still who responded because there was a need and be upheld even in the middle of a pandemic. Idecided to do something about it themselves, even in the midst of the spread, and decided to support the Joel Boutroue, UNHCR’s Representative in Uganda, people around them in whatever way they could. expressed his gratitude to the Ugandan Government and the local communities for the great heart of The Government of Uganda, for example, opened solidarity for people fleeing conflict, proving that its borders to the eastern Democratic Republic of in times of crises, human dignity and the right to the Congo (DRC), to provide haven to thousands of life by the protection of refugees, surpasses civil refugees fleeing escalating violence. The Congolese and regulatory restrictions in making international nationals who had been stranded in a remote, border laws accommodative. inaccessible area in Mahagi territory were afraid that Uganda would not open its borders to them as Upon arrival, the refugees supervised by UNHCR and they fleed violence and anarchy at the time of the coordinated by the office of the Prime Minister and pandemic, but Uganda did. Local Government, entered Uganda through , were quarantined at Zewdu Farm Institute Data by UNHCR shows that Uganda let over 3000 near the border crossing, which could accommodate refugees cross over despite being under lockdown. up to 6,000 people. The UN agency in charge of refugees took the

| 15 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity A District’s Gift Another Village’s Help

usia District may not have much, with an t started when the roads that connected Bannual local revenue collection of UGX 270 IButaleja District to Mbale City were cut off Million ($73,000) from a population of 360,000 at both Lelesi and Mpologoma bridges by the people, but were able to donate Sofia Market seasonal floods. As it usually does, the Manafwa River floods all the roads and passable routes between the high and lowlands in Butaleja districts, forcing the local communities to take refuge from the lowlands to the highlands. During this time, village dwellers with houses in the highlands opened up their homes to the their fleeing neighbours – relatives, and none- relatives alike, as narrated by Jemima Hirya from Butaleja. Even with the scare of the spread of the virus, these people provided places of refuge for the Butaleja folk, who they even accommodated in their kitchens, if that was the only sleeping space available.

- a 2.9-acre piece of land to host the Health Ministry, was indeed an act of generosity. The piece of land went towards the expansion of the Port Health Hospital, a space that now houses the district’s COVID-19 cases in Busia, a border town, to avoid congestion at the immigration posts at the Uganda Revenue Authority border offices that by law would only admit permitted travelers to designated quarantine facilities. In spite Sofia Market being closed to its usual economic activities, it was given to the Ministry of Health to use as the regional COVID-19 laboratory and quarantine centre. Speaking to URN press, Vincent Okurut, the Busia Municipality Town Clerk, said that the donation will help residents of the Eastern Division. The hospital is expected to serve over 40,500 people in the Municipality.

| 16 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Another Village’s Help

opewell Balinda first noticed the snails on two of the banana plants Hin his garden. Upon looking closely, the farmer saw that the slimy creatures had taken over a large chunk of his garden. Frustrated, he told his neighbours who said he had noticed the same thing, as did his brother-in-law. The farmers who reside in Even though some of them could Kicwamba Sub-county, Kabarole afford the pesticides, they agreed District could not afford any more to help each other out to ensure loss to their crops, while still food security for all. recovering from the lack of sales The solidarity and comradery induced by the lockdown. shared by these farmers to stand together to weather the impact of a drop-in cost price of bananas to “First of all, the prices less than a dollar per bunch, saw of the bananas were these farmers join hands by uniting still low, the profit workforce so as to manually remove the pests in each other’s margin was not going farm, as they could not afford to to be enough to buy buy both pesticides and necessities those strong pesticides,” for their homes. Balinda said. “Together with my fellow farmers, we took turns in each other’s gardens picking these snails with our hands.”

| 17 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Another Village’s Help

A school in Busaano Sub-county from the government. Soon the in Mbale City opened its doors surrounding community also to about 400 people displaced reached out to the displaced people by heavy rains in the month of with food and warm clothes. August 2020. The management of Buwangwa Primary School Nearly ten villages in Mbale had received people from nearly 60 some of the locals displaced by households to stay on the school the torrential rains. Communities grounds until the rains subsided. took the initiative and responded to help each other before relief Besides the accommodation, from the Ministry of Disaster the school opened up its toilet Preparedness was received. facilities and made some makeshift bathrooms for the people in Even with help from the Red Cross, need. The priority was given to in partnership with the Mbale the vulnerable lot; families with District Disaster Management children with special needs and the Committee, the local communities elderly were taken in first. were the heroes here, as they stepped in, with whatever means They were allowed to stay at the of help they could offer, including school while they waited for help their kitchen floors to make a

sleeping space for the displaced. This spontaneous grassroot response from resource challenged families was the initial coping mechanism that stood the test of the human heart to even in times as

“do unto others as you challenging as facing a would have pandemic. them do for you”,

| 18 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Chapter 3 PUBLIC TO THE RESCUE

t is humbling when strangers help people they do Opio reached out to his friend and philanthropist, not even know. Santa Adoch, asking for help. Unfortunately, due to CivSource stories of philanthropy highlight just the lockdown, Santa was unable to get around to when how much donations and fundraising became the numbers of infections were on the increase, and Imeans to address the needy during the lockdown instead opted to use online platforms and social media period, and revealed a compassionate heart of the to reach out to possible sponsors and well-wishers. Ugandan public. Soon a journalist Joseph Omagor sought out Opio Personal social media accounts and online and his mother for interviews and created awareness crowdfunding sites showcased the kind of need that on need Patrick Opio and his mother. This attracted drew philanthropists in. The example of athlete, philanthropic Ugandans from as far as Canada to Patrick Opio, a Gulu-based footballer and his mother, help. However, it was when Opio received money from Naomi Achayo who battled difficulty during the a friend in Canada and handed it to his mother, to pandemic when he injured his leg during training, and thank her for taking care of him, that the impact of the found themselves stuck in a hospital unable to meet support received by needy people, can best be felt. their bills. while his mother battled breast cancer. When Patrick Opio was given the first donation of UGX Despite her pain, Achayo had to take care of her son 493,000 ($134) and later an additional amount of 1 who is now disabled and unemployed. Overwhelmed, million UGX ($270) was raised locally.

| 19 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Helping their Own section of private school teachers in Gulu City and surrounding areas launched a social media campaign dubbed, Open our Schools or Feed the Teachers.A Before starting the campaign, there was a call for teacher’s most affected by COVID-19’s lack of income, to register for food aid. They took this campaign to social media platforms when a considerable number of teachers had signed-up. Print media, including The Independent Magazine, that reported on campaign, as being a success, with food relief donations from sources like the Calvary A Sheikh with a Heart of Gold Chapel, were received. Nearly 600 hundred teachers, heikh Erias Kigozi is celebrated by people of mainly from Private schools, received food packages right Sall walks of life for his philanthropic lifestyle in their homes. as evidenced on his social media platforms where people of all religious groups respect his efforts Each teacher received 10 kilograms of maize floor and to help people. Sheikh Kigozi has been traversing 5 kilograms of beans. Openytho William Lucima of the the country fundraising for those in need during Independent Magazine explained how private school the lockdown, for food, money, hygiene cleaning teachers had not received salaries from April 2020, unlike material and whatever could be donated. His teachers in Government schools, and were struggling reaching out to collaborate and find funding to even get the day’s meal. Charity Ajok, a teacher at and help for all people cross-cutting across all Mama Catherine Primary and Nursery School, called religious beliefs, is proof that philanthropy on government to step in to support teachers at private cannot be done in a segregated manner, nor help institutions, that had no income as long as schools and need responded to based on belief system, remained closed. The ultimate goal was to ensure that at other than the least, food be given to up to 1000 teachers registered under their campaign. “do to others what you would Stella Akong, one of the beneficiaries and a teacher want them to do for you”. at Future Hope Nursery and Primary School, said she started a food garden in her backyard in order to have In the case of Zakaria Kisolo, a primary seven a certain source of income, because it was not certain orphan who needed a wheelchair to get from when schools would be re-opened. She said the donation home to school, there was no need to know what of food aid supplemented what she had planted in her religious affiliation a donor may be, as long as backyard garden. the need for mobility and transport to and from school can be met, without breaking any law. Once donations are received, Kigozi posts the details of them online in order to provide some accountability and receipt of the products donated via WhatsApp message group on: +25670234927.

Sheikh Erias Kigozi’s reputable track record has earned him a large following as credible recipient and distributor of people’s willing donations. He receives many quick responses to his calls, particularly through word of mouth. For every need met or donation to collected, a story with all the details are posted, taking record of all the needs met and the capacity of civil response to meet these needs. Kigozi confidently implores the sense of human kindness and compassion to meet the need of the less fortunate. Each account is documented via Whatsup post, with details of the need and how it has been met and photographs or video clips of the donations being delivered to the worthy recipients.

| 20 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Helping Teacher Hasakya Get a Wheelchair n June-2020, Hasakya Jackson, a money. Iformer teacher at Uganda Martyr’s He raised awareness about Hasakya Mixed Primary School Namagunga to get more people involved in was involved in an accident that supporting him in regaining his nearly claimed his life. His injuries mobility and dignity, in spite the have left him in excruciating pain and unfortunate handicap he had also impaired his limbs and mobility. acquired through the accident.

Without an income, Hasakya could not Achal’s commitment to this cause afford to buy a wheelchair for himself. is indeed a great inspiration of That is when the kind-hearted John being able to give not because one is Baptist Achal stepped in to buy the wealthy, but simply because it is a way wheelchair and helped to provide of life to share whatever one is able to basic needs, as well as the needs of with someone in need. those around him that were in need, in spite of his limited resources and

| 21 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Chapter 4 DONATING MUCH-NEEDED BLOOD

esides crippling the economy, the coronavirus Shiella Twinokusiima was one such committed donor pandemic led to a shortage of blood across the that not only continued to donate blood during the country. Throughout the lockdown, the press lockdown, but was able to mobilise an additional fifty was awash with news of hospitals running out people in and around the community of Mbarara to Bof blood, or at their very last reserves. stock up the blood bank at Mbarara District Hospital. The Nakasero Blood Bank explained that this was due The health workers at Mbarara District hospital and to closure of schools that are key donor centres, as well the Red Cross Society in Mbarara, celebrated Sheila’s as the end of collection drives during the lockdown. efforts in response to the blood bank campaign called This heightened the demand for blood particularly for #RealLifeHeroes, in which she reached husbands and the maternity wards in hospitals. relatives of expectant mothers to donate blood to the blood bank in Mbarara.

| 22 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Arua’s Felix Leads by Example More Blood for Uganda

elix Drapari whose job is surveillance lood 4 Uganda, a community of blood donors Fover the city of Arua’s need for emergency Bthat encourage others to donate, was very helpful services, is passionate about people and their during the blood stock-out. Despite having links to health and well- being, is also a volunteer with the Indian Association, the group unites Ugandans of Red Cross Uganda’s Arua office. all ethnicity to become blood donors. Their campaign Felix is a mobiliser like Sheila in the previous creates awareness for the need for blood donation in story, in rallying the community together to Uganda and to create a database of blood donors who become donors to Arua blood bank. can respond in emergencies.

Leading by example, Drapari has donated blood This is a task take they task seriously, and celebrate just a little under 20 times, and would have donors who donate blood that saves blood, by donated blood monthly if this was medically listing all donors on the Red Cross website, and possible. actively publicise the next blood drives. Publicly acknowledging and thanking all donors, has helped with new donor recruits. Examples of these accounts are below:

Recorder by Wante Davis Samuel: “Thank you to whoever donated blood today at MOGAS Kyaliwajala, at the Christ Embassy Church. God bless you Dr. Juliet and Pastor Juliet plus your wonderful team of youths/ Volunteer Medical Corps who mobilized donors and also donated blood which enabled us to collect 81 units of blood,”

The group has since started a campaign called

“Say No Blood Shortages in our country Uganda”.

With the severe blood shortages, the country faced, Blood 4 Uganda ought to be celebrated, as commendable COVID-19 period philanthropists.

A Campaign for Blood Baby Keitha Aleng (rest in peace), admitted girl, it became a full-blown blood drive that at St. Francis Hospital in Nsambya in spread out into the entire month of August. critical condition, needed blood. Indeed, people with different blood groups showed up everywhere and some even Comedian Agnes Akite started a blood at the hospital asking to donate blood. donation drive at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, to save Keitha’s life, by collecting Baby Keitha eventually received the much- category B+ blood, if available or even any needed blood, a month late, and sadly other, that would be used in exchang at passed away in August of 2020, and will be Red Cross for her blood type. remembered fondly as the one Ugandan that was instigated the largest single blood Despite starting as a drive to help the little drive donation.

| 23 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Chapter 5 GIVING TO SPECIAL GROUPS

eople living with disabilities, people living with HIV and AIDs Networks in Uganda. with a potentially terminal illness, the elderly, She is currently advocating for effective implementation women, and children fell into the category of of the Test & Treat HIV policy and accompanying HIV persons that needed emergency help during care and treatment services. Pthe lockdown period. In this chapter, we explored the philanthropists who specifically aided these groups. Ikilai also campaigns for the sexual and reproductive health rights of young people. Using her experience, she Winifred Ikilai, is an HIV prevention advocate, a Fellow called attention to the fact that people living with HIV with AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), who needed help. also works with the National Forum of People Living

| 24 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity This is her story:

hen the lockdown started, problem became bigger across the Wrestrictive measures were put in country, and included many more place, including a ban on public and districts contacting me for help. private transport. Many people living with HIV found themselves stranded I called several PLHIV Network leaders and with no means of accessing health to assess the situation in detail and facilities for treatment, that lead to generate quick solutions on how best worry and fear, not knowing how best they could be supported to deliver to access their drugs. drugs. I documented a status report, highlighting critical challenges faced Ikilai, stated how People Living with by PLHIV in the districts of Amuria, HIV (PLHIV) coordinators from Kumi, Kotido, Ngora, Luwero, Bukedea, districts like Mityana, Luweero, Serere, Soroti, and Serere. Sembabule, Bukomansimbi, Bukedea, Kumi, Amuria, Ngora, Soroti and The key challenges included the long Masaka (including those unknown to distance to the health facility, limited her), reached out to her for help. access to food, which was affecting adherence to treatment, job loss, lack They used social media platforms of mental and emotional support, and to reach me, asking for support in were presented as findings in meetings getting their IRVs. Ikilai called out to with AVAC and UNAIDS, Global Fund fellow advocates and some community PLHIV. health volunteers who work in HIV service delivery organizations like The desired objective was achieved TASO, Mildmay, and Uganda Cares, when my organisation helped about and linked them to the stranded. The 500 people LWHA. Some people organisations responded and the drugs were even supported with means of were delivered to PLWHA. transport to deliver drugs to people who were stranded in the community. I also generated an emergency contact list of organisations that I circulated on This support came from development my social media platforms of advocacy partners like (Global Fund, Embassy organisations on information on how of Ireland, and UNAIDS) and to access ARVs, food and how deliveries organisations like TASO, Mildmay, and would be made free of charge to Baylor College Foundation in Uganda. PLWHA. As the days progressed, the

Vendors in Bukedea Market Rescue their Own t had been months since they had stomach illness. Iseen their friend and colleague, Mercy Ariokot, better known as Toto. Mercy, a Her friends decided to each put a jovial marker vendor in Bukedea trading collection of their earnings into a small centre had not answered telephone calls lending circle of ten friends, and then from her friends. They decided to visit her contributed an additional amount that in her home on Malera road to see if all came up to nearly half a million shillings was well. that that helped put the single mother of five back on her feet. This collection paid The last time she was with them at the medication costs and the rest was invested market, Mercy had complained of a pain into her business as stock, at a time when in the abdomen, according to her friend prices had escalated and would never Rose Kulume. That pain had been on- have been able to get additional money as going; and had intensified, as she told an injection into her business. them her last time at her stall. Rose Kulume, as one of the circle of Ariokot sold off all the vegetables at the friends, realised that they did this stall she shared with another vendor, and themselves as fellow vendors and did not after that, never returned. She sold off her rely on any wealthy donor. phone to help pay for medication for her | 25 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Masks for the Vulnerable amila Mayanja, a philanthropist and with a bottle of hand sanitizer at no cost. Jfashion designer with Smart Girls While this was distributed free among the Uganda, partnered with another fashion vulnerable populations such as women house called Tenge collections to provide in markets, young people in slums, the much-needed protective masks for boarders, barracks and refugee centres at women vendors in the crowded market no cost, they made masks for sale to the places, in the “Masks 4 All” project. When general public at subsidised rates. the project began, they specifically trained and employed youth and women Given the stringent safety measures set among whom are former sex workers and by World Health organisation for all survivors of Gender-Based Violence. governments to implement for the safety of populations, Uganda needed help in Tenge Afrocentric Fashion House securing safety masks for the populace, Founder and CEO, Daniel Mickoh and for the crowded market vendors who said the Masks 4 All project would be continued selling food even in Lockdown looking to scale up to make protective level 1. gear to be distributed all over the country with a target of reaching one With market being very congested places million people. The distribution process and women the majority of the vendors, includes awareness sessions using population, Jamila decided that this community radios and public media on project would be crucial to prevent the how to use the masks and other safety contracting of the virus as they went measures when the lockdown is lifted. about their day-to-day interaction with suppliers, customers, and family Together they designed a reusable three- members. layer mask and distributed them along

Helping Each Other Through it All

story in Nakamiro For instance, they were AZone, Bwaise II Ward, given assistive devices like Kawempe Division in wheelchairs, crutches, white Kampala City, caught our canes for the blind; Vitamin attention: As soon as the supplements to the children lockdown was announced, disabilities; food donations a group of philanthropists to the disabled elderly, through their community counseling services, poultry organisation, Agali Awamu farming projects; awareness Disabled and Vulnerable campaigns, Albino support Persons, anticipated they services like giving out would be much need in the sunscreens, community community. Many disabled outreaches as examples. persons approached Agali Awamu for support, as They also provided skills expected, and immediately training for those that could set them looking for relief be included in vocational food. Once the lockdown work, so as to equip them was eased, Agali Awamu with the ability to have an revived their projects among income generating work of the community of people sorts, so as not to go cash- with disabilities and worked strapped again as was the committedly to give support case in the lockdown. to all disabled.

| 26 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity The Social Worker with A Heart of Gold

any private health workers is being neglected yet it is a key Mstarted testing positive component of the response. for corona-virus. Through the Uganda Health Care Federation, To help bridge the knowledge gap, private health facilities requested there is need to systematically to be given just as much attention disseminate printed clinical as the public facilities, as they are guidelines through health the main first point of contact for logistics organisations such a significant number of suspect as National Medical Stores COVID-19 health consumers. (NMS) for the health workers Screening processes are lacking and the communities, across in as far as contact thermometers public and private facilities. and rapid tests are concerned. Communication is also required to the general public on where to Even worse is the lack of Personal go for testing, as private facilities Protective Equipment (PPE) in can only screen patients. different health centers, as the main deterrent for healthcare With the seasonal illness such as workers coming to work, in fear malaria and flu, being concurrent of them and their families being concerns, many are going infected. misdiagnosed or will be poorly This proves how healthcare be managed while patients are workers sacrifice their lives and infecting others if not identified conveniences for the good of as having COVID-19 symptoms. those they care for. These are some of the health concerns that public health While their colleagues in the workers require proper testing public health centers are getting equipment and support for, and all the training to spot and government would consider manage the illness, the private being an answer to these health providers have been concerns in order to support and left behind. The knowledge protect its healthcare workers. gap at facility level on the management of this condition

Helping Children

he Kids Club Kampala families who otherwise would Tresponded to children’s have gone hungry, by donating needs of malnutrition and up to 28,291 food parcels. Food starvation in and around the city was delivered to the disabled or that threatened to rise during the elderly and to all unable to access lockdown, especially in city slum their food banks. areas. They approached foreign sponsors, and any local generous Sanitation equipment was also supporters, to consider giving installed in the slum areas, a once-off donation to meet the installing 8 handwashing extra needs during this time. stations to date, which have enabled almost 60,000 people What started as a humble project, to access soap and water to help benefited many households, and prevent the spread of the virus. provided food for up to 25,000

| 27 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Agaba’s Commitment to Orphans

wen Agaba is a young orphaned but also lived on the Oman from Mbarara with streets of Mbarara and needed many passions. During the accommodation which he lockdown Owen collected readily offered to some. The orphans in his neighbourhood money he received went and looked after them. A directly towards the purchase self-employed trader, his of food, clothes, and other income diminished during the supplies for the children. lockdown. This meant he was not earning enough money to When not looking after the help the children. street children, the gentle Agaba visited the sick children He got to the point of not in hospitals to lift their spirits having any of his personal and deliver gifts. His goal is to money, but he continued the raise at least $5000 and spread acts of kindness, by starting the help across different parts a fundraising drive to raise of the city, in order that no money for this cause, and to child on the streets of Mbarara provide them with a meal a will go hungry. day. Most of these children he was helping were not just

A Comic Book for the Little Ones

n Uganda, all students were to the fact that the bodily harm Isent home in March-2020 with that some children are exposed no clear return date, due to the to will affect their minds and pandemic. To ensure the little souls, and vice-versa. ones were putting their time to good use, a group of creatives A fundraising drive was initiated compiled a children’s comic for the public to buy ten copies book. each at just UGX 100,000 ($27), and asked adults to distribute The book is called, Spark Kids them wildly to as many children Diary, and compiles the on- as possible, particularly the going ridicule and problems vulnerable. The creator of the children face in their various book Mr. Kasango explained the families, homes, and schools. It need to explicitly communicate includes topics around children’s to children their rights and to environment and how it impacts help draw the line when cultural them. norms cause children to be subservient, and open to abuse. The intention of the comic book, This was to help them identify is to reflect on the five pillars of abuse and to gain a sense of life; body, mind, soul, spirit, and patriotism to know and do the heart; to try explain the balance right thing, without feeling between all those aspects of intimidated by adults around the human being in ensuring them, and so empower them. wholistic well-being. It pointed

| 28 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Kamwaka to Ensure Children are Reading

wesigye John Kamwaka stimulating them to gain Tis a man whose love immeasurable knowledge for children and literature about their minds, body, knows no bounds. Before and emotions from the the lockdown, Kamwaka literature they encounter. had embarked on a journey Scientific, creative and to ensure the less fortunate thinking minds are grown children are reading, as young children are especially outside the exposed to vast literature, classroom. and enable them gain true perspective on life at an He said that to the poor, early age. Reading helps story books and crayons them to form thoughts and for colouring are luxury opinions of their own based and not a priority aspect on knowledge gained from at all. Most schools in reading. Uganda teach by rot and y- learning, often find 5 With no public or school A Philanthropist’s Strides to Help or 6 children sharing one libraries, a culture of Vulnerable Children text book amongst them in reading cannot be created class, as there are simply and so Kamwaka made this Philanthropist’s Strides to Help not enough to go around. his mission. He describes AVulnerable Children the quality of education in This is the reason that lead Uganda are poor and often During the lockdown, Noreen Asekenye him to start crowdfunding ineffective because no took it upon herself to seek help for to raise funds to create resources are provided to the vulnerable communities through libraries and reading equip children to learn and the Tell a Story Foundation Uganda. resources for children study on their own. Asekenye campaign was for the public that would otherwise be not to forget the vulnerable. idle and lack any stimulus “The value of children’s to constructively occupy books is priceless. It She formed “Together4Good” that was themselves, and reduce brands the development birthed because of the uncertainty the deterioration of their of personality and social of COVID-19. It is a way of reminding mental capacity. skills for little ones as they people that are struggling that they are are still impressionable. not alone and that even in isolation we Kamwaka believes in Exposure to literature can still do good deeds. developing children’s in the early years builds intellect and character by character,” he noted. Asekenye came up with a creative way to raise awareness. Instead of the annual Walk for all, she arranged for individuals to walk on their own, to avoid social gatherings, but still raise money for the number of kilometers walked.

In anticipation of the opening of schools, Asekenye also started back to school fundraisers to help the vulnerable children get scholastic materials. Besides selling Together4Good T-shirt at 6 dollars each, she opened an account to receive donations on behalf of the children.

| 29 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity A Plea to Feed Mityana’s Vulnerable Children

s the lockdown eased, some Aparents around Mityana Since kindness gives hope to District could still barely put those who feel all alone in this food on the table for their little world, no one is exempt from ones. Their sources of livelihood trying to make a difference, they were depleted and they were appealed to the Ugandan public dependent on local charities to donate food to vulnerable children. The response was great Overwhelmed by the tales and all donations given were of suffering, Hope for Life highlighted on social media Foundation (HFL) a charity in to celebrate the giving and to , reached out to document what a difference in Ugandans to help feed some of the lives of the children of HFL. the vulnerable children. Through HFL’s support, There was a big food crisis in distribution of food supplies our community during the and soap to the very grateful pandemic. Hope for Life tried poor children in need was made their best, and gave what they possible. had.

Keeping Chess Alive

obert Katende first came into the limelight Rfor introducing chess programs in the slums of Kampala and attracting street kids to it; and during the lockdown, he did even more. The chess coach whose efforts birthed the Disney film, ‘Queen of Katwe’ fed many vulnerable children for months until it was safe enough to re-introduced chess.

In the month of August 2020, he found ways to ensure the children still had a game of chess to play through his organisation called Robert Katende Initiative: Katende’s strategy; was to reach children at home where the instructors visited and assisted the learners in small groups within their homes.

Katende distributed several chess boards to different homes in districts like Gulu and Hoima. These enabled the young children to keep practicing and not lose grip of what was taught. It also helped keep them busy and engaged during the pandemic crisis.

Special thanks go to all partners, friends and well- wishes of the Robert Katende Chess initiative, who continued this support towards the work of restoring hope and transforming lives through chess, “one move at a time.”

| 30 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Lacrosse Enthusiasts Rescued their Own

he pandemic and lockdown have left many The Lacrosse enthusiasts believe that it is in Tplayers without a day’s meal. African and times like this that many would give up on the Jewish Lacrosse enthusiasts donated to a game and this is what informed the decision section of Ugandan Lacrosse players. to fundraise and donate to the players continually. The August 2020 donation is just one of the many donations since the lockdown was Though Lacrosse is not widely played, Uganda announced in Uganda. According to the has 10 Lacrosse clubs registered under the online sports journal, Kawowo Sports, after Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA). They they provided food to Silver Backs Academy noted that the game is slowly gaining ground and the Nile Crocs Teams, Africa and Jewish among the country’s schools and youth in Lacrosse Foundations agreed to help out with general. The renowned girls’ teams in the the much need. country are, Nabisunsa Girls School, Mount St Mary’s Namagunga, Forest Hills (Lugazi), St First on the agenda was the Jinja Nile Zulus Joseph Nsambya Girls, Cannan High School, Africa Lacrosse Academy from Eastern Kawanda Secondary School, Grace Villa Uganda. They delivered about 225 Kgs for (Kabale). The known boys’ teams are Kiswa maize flour and handed over to Andrew Primary School, Silver Backs of the Makerere Mamawi, the director of Jinja Nile Zulus University Business School, Jinja, and YMCA. Africa Lacrosse Academy, who committed to keep mobilising more support.

| 31 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Chapter 6 A TALE OF ADORABLE GIVERS

o help in its health advocacy Stay Home, Stay Safe! against coronavirus, the pupils of Shikhuyu (By Shikhuyu Needy Care School) Needy Care Nursery and Primary School composed a poem. Beautifully executed, Oh no Tthe poem looks to remind all about the impact of Gone too soon uncle Moris coronavirus. Leaving a mother of four orphans The kindergarten children were aware of the dreadful disease and how it could impact the country, and so turned to poetry to express themselves as will be With nobody to help them fend for life shared in this chapter. Their poem is called “Stay Home, Stay Safe” and is a In deepened sorrow, we wail reminder about the pain of death, a likely reality for Your friends restricted those who will catch the virus. Making the last goodbye This poem by the young creatives from Bukibokolo Of may his soul rest in peace village in Bududa District was very well received, and is an inspiration to the young people in the growing Indeed parts of Masaba-land, to gain confidence rise and Rest in peace sweet uncle… shine, as noted by Isaac Lulaba and Radio Maria

| 32 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity A Budding Creative’s Words

little girl from Ebenezer Primary School in Athe newly formed Mbale City has a poem out. The innocence with which she tells it is what makes it special. The message is clear and not a word of it is minced.

Annabel Malinga, the 7year old budding creative and resident of Atutur Subcounty in , said she was inspired to write the poem when the lockdown was extended and with the uncertainty of its end. She decided to write the poem to remind people to do what the President was said.

During the lockdown, she also noticed an increased number of people asking for food from neighbours and wanted everyone to be kind. She soon noticed children running about without following the regulations she could narrate off- head.

The poem is for children who move from home to home to play, and contract the coronavirus which they can spread to other older people like their grandparents. The young poet plans on writing more poems on the virus to help spread the message of prevention of coronavirus and sharing within communities.

LET US (By Annabel Malinga)

Let us be united Let us share Let us love one another Let us be brothers and sisters But, Let us not forget to protect each other To protect each other, we must wash our hands To protect each other, we must wear masks To protect each other, we must keep social distance But, To my fellow children, Let us not go and play away from home Coronavirus is walking When you stay home, it will not find you.

| 33 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity A poem about a Killer Disease COVID-19: A Killer is Here By Hadassah Etyang welve-year-old Hadassah Etyang wrote a Tpoem about coronavirus. In this piece of writing, the Greenhill Academy pupil displays a A silent murderer deeper understanding of the virus. She delves into A deadly disease the journey of coronavirus with emphasis on how COVID-19 has killed, defeated, and strived against quickly it reached Uganda. Delicately mentioning the human race the country’s worst hit by the virus, Hadassah reminds us how we got here. She wonders what In 2019, all was well the human race did wrong to attract a virus this Suddenly the virus silently started taking lives deadly. Is it a punishment from God? Hadassah Young and old then takes to advising on what will save the world. No one was safe Among other things, she calls on all to follow the No one knew that the year ahead would be like this government’s guidelines on preventing this virus. She re-echoes a message that has been conveyed A year of death, a year of sorrow globally: Unity is pertinent in the fight against Early this year COVID-19 rose up coronavirus. Killing the people of China so horribly We all thought that it was China’s problem Was W.H.O slow? Did they do enough?

People continued to travel in and out of China Spreading the virus wildly The virus moved to and for Till it spread into every continent It was declared a pandemic The US, Italy, France, and Brazil Countries you thought would defeat the virus Suffered more than anybody else Still the virus killed mercilessly The virus made the top ten world killers When the cases reached a million People took more concern People wore masks, kept a social distance, and stayed at home People were locked down for months

Is this GOD ‘s way of punishing us for our great sin When will we stop to listen, obey, to help, and support But, are we defeated? Will the human race be extinct because of this virus? A vaccine was promised a vaccine we shall get Stop this rebellion Together we are strong We can win this battle Let’s support the scientists to make us a cure and vaccine We can help by doing our part By following the guidelines of our scientists

| 34 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Daisy Has Questions Why the Air We Breath By Daisy Etyang ike her sister Hadassah, Daisy Etyang, a pupil at LGreenhill Academy added to this gift of poetry. It is a poem that demands answers to this entire Why did you come coronavirus pandemic. The ten-year-old wants to Why have you stayed know why things are the way they are and why the Why are you ruining our lives? virus chose to spread the way it does. There is no joy in COVID-19 Daisy wants to know why the virus has ‘ruined’ her life. She craves joy but cannot have it with all news There is just illness and death of death going around. She wonders why the virus would come through the air she breathes. You’re driving us crazy The young girl wants the world to stop for a moment You’re killing us slowly and listen to the standard operating procedures to But the question is why respiratory beat the virus. She wrote not one but two poems to effect, and here they are. Why cough and flu? Why bring it into our lungs Why the air what we breath How (By Daisy Etyang) People crying all over the world How could something so small become Why mummy so big Why daddy How could something so little become a A question answered with more questions global pandemic More deaths from traveling How could we have stopped before it Now school has become virtual learning reached Uganda The death rate is rising Is this a punishment? What can we do Where did we go wrong? Was it that we didn’t know? Is this a bad dream? Was it that we didn’t care? How do we wake up? But are we learning our lesson Our world is crumbling slowly Will COVID-19 defeat us Wash your hands they say But do we listen No. No, we are human beings We defeated smallpox No We can defeat COVID-19 No friends or neighbours So that we can go back to school But do we listen They can reopen half of the world No We can become what we were before We need to stand up it’s too late Wake up and be alert It might have seemed far We are human beings Sadly, it is upon us Let’s listen to our leaders Now we must join hands and defeat it Let’s free the air we breath Send it out of our world

Live life without curfew Imagine, no more Closed hotels, closed swimming pools, Closed bars and cinemas. We want to have the world we had Before COVID-19 came. Who’s with me?

| 35 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity No More Landslides: Children Champion Tree Planting

p to 110 displaced children “Almost all of the children in this Uliving in Bunambutye Camp in camp lost someone, or know someone in eastern Uganda who died from the mudslides; we started a tree-planting campaign must prevent it from happening during the lockdown. They called it: again,” he asserted. ‘Forget the Past by Planting a Tree With every family allocated one acre Today’, the goal of the initiative is to of land from the government, they avert the damage caused by human are making it a point to have trees activity on the environment. planted in each backyard during the campaign taking place during the Established and managed by lockdown. teenagers, the campaign’s sole purpose was to instill a spirit of The youngsters have planted nearly environmental conservation in the 300 hundred trees and move around young generation left displaced the camp ensuring fellow children by the Mt. Elgon mudslides. Asked each plant a tree in their homes why they chose to plant trees at a during the tree-planting campaign. young age, James Wakholi the teen environmental activism leader at “Our challenge is shortage of land; if Bunambutye camp told the press we had enough land here, we would that this was to avoid more death of have planted more trees than this,” loved ones. 13-year-old Ever Namataka said.

Orphans Donate to the Elderly

n spite being in need be encouraged to do likewise Ithemselves, a group of orphans and give back to the vulnerable donated relief items to the during the COVID-19 pandemic. elderly people in the Nsambya community in Kampala. The Katende was inspired to respond children who are members to the need of the elderly most of of Care for Children Uganda, whom have no one to look after distributed sugar, rice, maize them or help them. He decided flour, and soap, among other since “the grandchildren” were things to the vulnerable elderly responding to this need, he would in the communities of St. Paul provide leadership as they give zone, Mugwanya Zone, and back to those he would consider Nsambya West in Kampala City. his parents. Care for Children Uganda is a community-based organization 95-year-old, Tereza Nassejje located in Ggaba, Kampala, and applauded The New Vision for aims at helping, feeding, and their acts of kindness to her, educating displaced orphans. and for the amazing children who were the forerunners of this Speaking to The New Vision, the initiative. She was overwhelmed organisation’s director, Shafique by this heart-felt love and care, Katende, said that the children and urged the New Vision to call came up with the idea themselves. upon more Good Samaritans to He said that they saw it necessary aid the elderly at a time when to give back to the elderly so that many are needy. fellow able Ugandans would Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity | 36 Meghan Collects Books for her new Friends

-year old Meghan Kakooba to do more and by the beginning asked her mother if she could of September, not only had she donate some of her old books gathered storybooks, but someone 8after watching the news and realizing gave some new exercise books too. how the lockdown had affected the schooling and learning of less Meghan insisted on getting an privileged children. additional two brand new books for the girl in Primary Seven, as well as Meghan specifically asked if she a Mathematical set. Meghan’s acts of could give the books to children of a kindness brought so much joy her lady in a little kiosk across from their mother, who was indeed humbled by Namugongo suburb. her daughter’s giving heart. “I must have done something right,” she The children that received the books adds. were excited and elated to receive such a gift from a child like them, Meghan’s awareness of the need and kept narrating this incident to around them has been heightened whoever was glad to give them a to the extent that wherever she goes, listening ear. They too were inspired Meghan asks other people if they to collect books and give them out to have anything they could donate for other children, just as Meghan had her to take back for the children that done. This further motivated Meghan do not have as much. Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity | 37 Chapter 7 GIVING WITHIN THE ARTS

he creatives in Uganda will need time to season. All other artists apart from those in the music heal after the pandemic period left the industry, were severely impacted. entertainment industry on its knees. In countries where virtual and digital realms This period incited a comradery amongst creatives, Tare advanced, and copyright laws work, the creatives especially those in the acting world, as they begun to might have struggled, but not as much as they did in look out and raise support for each other. Uganda, as some were still able learn from online sales and royalties. That is hardly the case in Uganda. They also took it upon themselves to become mouth- pieces to advocate and educate the masses about Television became the most viable platform for artists the pandemic status quo, and became a source of to showcase and practise their trade on an affordable motivation and encouragement for those facing hard platform while reaching masses that could otherwise times. not be on internet platforms like YouTube. Those that could use their influence to collect and All the local stations hosted an artiste for their donate charity did, and the rest used their talents to weekend events, that became the source of income for keep the masses light-hearted and sane doing what them. Though it did not earn them much, it was a step they do best: entertain. in the direction of supporting them during the limited

| 38 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity From Wakaliwood to Bulambuli: ‘Making Money’

Money Makes Money is the title of a took viewers into the typical hip -hop parody video created to help Ugandan rural setting it. It was a save businesses in Bulambuli District deliberate move to burst the myth affected by the Covid-19 lockdown. that entrepreneurship only exists The project celebrates Ugandan in global finance hubs or in urban film director, Isaac Nabwana, who settings alone. collaborated with several creatives in Bulambuli District to raise about The creatives demonstrated the UGX 145Million ($38,000). inequality of opportunity that exists for business people in the This video was supported by developing world. According to the “Communities for Development” online arts journal, It’s Nice, the which is an organisation that works money raised will be used to create in Bulambuli District that took on five new local businesses, support the marketing of the video. ten existing businesses, and provide 250 entrepreneurs with financial In this video that has since gone viral, education and support. rappers Byg Ben Sukuya, MC Yallah, and Jora MC take on the verses Nabwana said his reason to make this written in English, Lugisu, Luganda, video is to prove to the world that and Swahili, while the local creatives it worthwhile investing in Uganda, act out the different scenes. and to showcase Uganda’s creative talent and a sense of humor, and to These being the most commonly exhibit the commitment to produce spoken dialects in Bulambuli quality products that will in turn since the relocation of the Bagisu improve our communities. Money displaced by the Mount Elgon Makes Money will therefore not only mudslides, helped with the far reach entertain but offer ways in which to of the music video. help rural communities develop and improve. Nabwana, the founder of Uganda’s low budget studio Wakaliwood,

Bringing Film Makers Together fter halting film training They agreed that it was a great relief Aactivities for months, the and a refreshingly and helpful Film Club Uganda and informed option to forge ahead as being a the Film Club Uganda members, non-profit organization, the key fans, stakeholders, and the general focus for the organisation would public of their sessions to resume be centered on creating a platform from Tuesday, 11th August 2020 through which filmmakers stay using virtual platforms, taking connected and able to dialogue, all transmission onto Zoom link and keep their trade and art going. in order to keep production and content making in motion during The established platform would times with limited . bring the existing and up and coming film makers; young or old, The film makers were excited foe to a professional starter gathering the opportunity to use the Zoom to network and share productive App to pave the way forward for information, learn from one all future going virtual meetings another, address issues affecting and agreed to keep checking on the industry, and discuss the future their progress as they turned to this of Uganda’s film industry. medium.

| 39 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Bayimba Gives Hope espite canceling most activities artists to find ways to live in the new Dfor the year, the team at Bayimba normal, by maintaining safety and Arts Festival still shared the little staying alive is paramount for going they had with creatives in need. The ahead beyond 2020. group of performers agreed to collect Earlier on in the lockdown, Faisal whatever they could in an attempt Kiwewa, the festival’s director, joined to uphold each other keeping their the UNESCO-founded ResiliArt hope alive as they offered relief to dialogue among creatives. At the the few they could. They encouraged event which is a global movement other artist groups to do the same. that aims to strengthen the resilience of artists and cultural professionals Besides reaching out to some of the in the face of COVID-19, he spoke out artists individually, the Bayimba for artists. team, known for its annual arts festivals, also helped keep the The dialogue raised awareness conversation on the impact of about the impact of COVID-19 on the COVID-19 on air and alive in the culture sector and the livelihoods of public media space. culture professionals, encouraging artists to participate in the decision- Covid-19 has had a sudden and making processes of policies and substantial impact on the arts and financial mechanisms aimed at culture around the world, and empowering them. Ugandan artists were not exempt, Using their story, they encourage

Twilight’s Comic Relief Twilight a budding singer wrote a song Chorus ‘I’m Present’, that uses both comedy and song in the ultimate comic relief, Muhumuza, Corona produced from Nigara studios, the I’m present Sir song’s hilarious lyrics went viral. Nagadia, Sanitizer Using words and phrases most spoken I’m present Sir in regards to the prevention of the Byamukama, Virus coronavirus, the singer whipped out “I’m present Sir some hilarious names. It is akin to a Agaba Stay At Home class teacher calling the class roll, for a class of really rowdy students, a song “I’m present Sir that send roars of laughter to all that Quarantine, Bridget hear the song. I’m present Sir Kakembo, Covid The Bullet Dancers, made the visuals I’m present Sir equally as comical as they had mastered the art of dance and comedy. Besides Opio, Distance the lyric choice, watching how each I’m present Sir ‘student’ responded to their name being Derrick, Curfew called makes it even more hilarious. I’m present Sir While some danced when called, others jumped up dramatically. In case you missed it, here is the chorus:

| 40 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Nduga Paints a Picture in Song assan Nduga a Kadongo Kamu with no lockdown, to find and because Hartiste, created the song “Corona they are fed up with Uganda, where Virus” that echoes the aches the virus the informal sector had completely brought about by the virus, such as shut down, even for sex-workers, the losses many made and wondered taxi-operators, boda-boda cyclists, how people were surviving, he for that all depend and thrive on the example did not play his guitar for an movement of people. The song even entire month in any performance. highlights the plight of drug users, “Mpawo ataakoze loss kuluno,” who had to choose their drug habit he cried out in Luganda to mean: over food, if they were to survive. Everyone made losses. His song was well executed with such In a cry to Allah, Ndugwa then jokes great use of his artistic gift – a real about Ugandans walking to Tanzania gift to Music of Uganda.

| 41 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Chapter 8 GIVING INFORMATION

ccording to the UN Under-Secretary- with the United Nations quoting the proportion of General for Global Communications, women using the internet at about 25% lower than Melissa Fleming, COVID-19 is not just the the proportion of men. Particularly in cases where century’s largest public health emergency, women are not in control of their earnings and cannot butA also a communication crisis. determine their ability to own or make use of a smart The pandemic has been marred with half-truths, lies phone device that would be the quickest and cheapest and corrupt gain and many people have fallen victim. way of access to information.

This reality is that unless an informed decision is Girl-Up Initiative decided upon a one-on-one taken by leadership to educate and take responsibility discussion with girls and women in Uganda’s rural for the messaging during this period, a lot of damage communities, holding conversations with the group and mis-management of the pandemic would occur. volunteers and staff, to verify their knowledge on the For this reason, a group of mostly volunteer social pandemic and to make sure they are not left in the justice enthusiasts who work at grassroots levels, dark, with many important questions unanswered. decided to lead in the education and information made available to the vulnerable populations around “Fighting the spread of misinformation about the country during the lockdown. COVID-19 doesn’t require the use of sophisticated technologies. It requires empowering communities The Girl-Up Initiative -Uganda, worked tirelessly with accurate information, dispelling fears, and to build youth-friendly, community-centric, and promoting togetherness,” Tusingwire said. innovative solutions to the complexities accompanying social-distancing and lockdown measures in Uganda. Important to note is that the initiative also used the One main concern was the rapid spread of very time to ensure that vulnerable populations harmful misinformation or the complete lack of received information and sexual and reproductive access to reliable resources of information. This health services they needed. disproportionately affects vulnerable, hard-to-reach populations, as Clare Tusingwire, the Director of Empowering Women as key role players to homes Programs explains; communities with correct and relevant information and access to health interventions, means giving access She said that in Africa, the communications crisis to the gate-keepers of the society. By approaching impacts girls and women more severely than it does Women and Girls in these conversations, meant men. This is attributed to the gender digital divide empowering communities with correct information present in most low and middle-income countries, and guidelines on how to survive this pandemic

| 42 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Kabogoza Fights Stigma against COVID-19 Survivors

hen got its World Vision, his employer, Wfirst coronavirus case, the which went ahead to alert the population went into shock. The District Health Office of the patient, a guard with a security problem that was getting out of company in Afghanistan had hand. He then mobilized fellow returned home unaware of his community counselors and led status and when he fell sick and the response against stigma and took the test, it came out positive. discrimination in Hoima District, particularly Kyabigambire The community stigmatised the Sub-county. The committee family and first case of corona developed a communication in Hoima. They did everything strategy on COVID-19 prevention, to keep him and his family at including prevention of stigma bay. The community turned and discrimination of COVID-19 violent against them and the 90 suspects and their families. individuals whom they said had direct contact with him. They World Vision has since supported were denied access to social Charles and the Hoima Task services and children from that Force in addressing several radio family were chased away from programmes aimed at dismissing boreholes and community wells. the myths and misconceptions, that help quell the hostilities Noticing how this stigma was against COVID-19 suspects. creating negative and angry World Vision has also established backlash to anyone that had a psycho-social quarantine contact with the sick person, centre for the rehabilitation Charles Kabogoza decided to do and monitoring of the affected something about it. He brought persons and resettling them into to attention to the ill knowing it their homes, and playing a create had to be stopped in its tracks. support into Hoima District. Quickly, he reached out to

Tough Love: Priest Grows Nsenyi’s Food Basket embers of Nsenyi Parish, in needed to work if they are to eat MKasese District woke to an and sustain family life. act of tough love from the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Modest Masereka He had constantly been teaching Kasenyankwe. At first many been teaching his congregants thought it was just a rumor, but it about food security, even before turned out not to be. the pandemic. He pointed out that those that took the growing It was announced that parents of food crops seriously, were the who did not have at least 20 ones giving food to the needy. banana plants in their homestead Reverend Father does not see would not have their children any value in imparting spiritual baptized. Rev. Fr. Kasenyankwe knowledge to his congregants, if argued that it was unfortunate he cannot bring them physical that many families were livelihood and guidance on being struggling to secure food during relevant in day-to-day living. the COVID-19 lockdown despite owning fertile land, and he told Scovia Musokyi, a Catholic the Independent Magazine, they faithful, noted that many city had to be reprimanded. dwellers, have abandoned agriculture and chosen to He took it upon himself to remind depend on markets; and with the church during the difficult the lockdown, most families lockdown period, that Christians depended on others to survive.

| 43 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Looking Out for Health Workers in Private Facilities hen many health workers is being neglected yet it is a key Wtested positive for the novel component of the response,” they coronavirus, health enthusiasts further argued. called for more to be done to protect them. Through the Uganda Health There is a concern with seasonal Care Federation, the group asked conditions such as malaria and flu, that the private health facilities be many will go misdiagnosed or will given just as much attention as the be poorly be managed while patients public facilities. are infecting others if not identified as having COVID-19 symptoms. “Private health facilities are the first point of contact for a significant To help bridge the knowledge number of suspect COVID-19 health gap, they call for systematic consumers. The capacity to identify dissemination of printed clinical these patients through screening is guidelines through health logistics weak,” they noted. organisations such as National Medical Stores (NMS) for the health They argue that most facilities use workers and the communities, across contact thermometers which are public and private facilities. slow and inappropriate in the nature of response required. Even worse is “Essentially there is a need to build the lack of PPE in different health capacity in the private sector now centers, a thing that is deterring to support government facilities health workers from coming to work manage any future and an inevitable for fear of carrying the virus to their surge in the number of cases,” they families. advise.

While their colleagues in the public While all of these suggestions are health centers are getting all the pertinent, the health enthusiasts training to spot and manage the maintain that there is a need to illness, the private health providers communicate to the general public have been left behind. on where to go for testing, as private “The knowledge gap at facility level facilities can only screen patients. on the management of this condition

Notes for Fufa Photo credit: galaxyfm.co.ug n the 22nd- August, we to day expenses to keep the Club Oread an interesting opinion open amidst no other sales coming by sports enthusiast Moses in, it is important to recognise that Banturaki, discussing the football the fund is intended for long term association’s relief food grants on sustenance of club structures as the Daily Monitor site. the only viable intervention for the smaller clubs to be supported, He specifically discussed the as most have not paid salaries for appropriation of the $500,000 months. distributed by FIFA and approved by the FUFA Executive. While Fufa and Fifa need to address issues of transparency Despite starting on shaky ground, and accountability, Banturaki is he believes that the country’s clear that this injection of funds football body eventually did as the biggest float they have ever better, and though the fund will received even from record sales in not end the crisis in the game, it a good season, this gives him all the will soothe some aches. confidence to show case this good deed as a step towards progress. With the current need to cover day

| 44 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Chapter 9 THINKING POST-CORONAVIRUS

ith several people been infected by the Transformation of plastic waste bags into sustainable, virus and many, many known cases of durable, waterproof, and affordable bags is their death recorded world- wide, and an next project. This they argued provides natural and increasing number in Uganda dying sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics while too,W the pandemic in Uganda has turned from being creating employment. invisible to visible and is soon plateauing into a state of survival by the fittest. The Gejja Women Foundation is a community-based women’s cooperative in that works with With many recovering too, and with the anticipation other organisations and individuals to increase their of the opening of markets and industry soon, Mpigi capacity to reach more families. They do this through District social entrepreneurs are finding ways to economically empowering marginalised girls and get people back into income generation through women. They teach them skill like the production of their organisation called “Better Places” a group of soap, biodegradable washers, and reusable sanitary philanthropists worked on social enterprises to help tools. Gejja also delivered relief food packages to with income generation. different special groups, that contain essential items like cooking oil, sugar, salt, tea leaves, onions, maize They explored the provision of purely organic, mildly and millet flour, rice, multipurpose soap. All the relief scented mosquito repellent to eliminate Malaria in food was bought from the local farmers as a way of also Africa. supporting them.

| 45 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity A Startup to Benefit Many hen Jaluum Herberts return on their investment. WLuwizza and friends started According to Jaluum, should a campaign to raise money the objectives be achieved, then for a snack business, they did the experiment will have been not anticipate such a positive successful. response. Firstly, they set up a GoFundMe page on the Dolphin The risk is here: Starting the Fund platform, asking the public creation of an investment to raise an estimated UGX 4Million culture and space where people (a little over $1000). comfortably invest their money, trusting in the system enough to What made this particular story know and still go ahead with the special was that Jaluum’s venture risk, as they are risking their own is a social enterprise looking money in startup ideas with no to offer opportunities to young definite promise. people who have since found themselves unemployed because Should this work, he is optimistic of the pandemic. that Uganda would have started her own Silicon Valley where ideas The experiment has two key and capital meet for the greater objectives: good.

I. To show that a group of people Here, startups will no longer have can collect a reasonable amount of to struggle like they currently are, money, enough to start a business. with limited options of capital to II. To ensure that business works kick start and grow. out and the shareholders get a

Thinking Survival: A Skills Training for the Youth uhammed Dimma With this in mind, he came up MMawejje noticed many with post-COVID-19 hands-on unemployed young people in skills training and asked the the city. On average, seven out public to help him raise $150. every ten youth he knew had He raised almost twice the had no stable job in a while. amount of money and started The others were employed as the training, that according car drivers, boda-boda cyclists to Ministry of Health safety (motorbike taxis), market guidelines, had the group of 16 vendors among others. divided into two groups of 8.

With the coronavirus holding He was ready to train 16 economies hostage, the outstanding young people situation will not be getting who have been affected by the better anytime soon, and 75% pandemic, with lifetime skills of the country’s population in in banana fiber jewelry, photo the age bracket of 15-25 years. frame making, coaster/glass Mawejje believes that young covers all made out of banana people are going to need hands- waste (banana fibers), and on skills training. recycled paper board.

| 46 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Chapter 10 OUTSIDE THE UGANDAN BORDERS

efore the coronavirus, Ann Karasanyi knew Engineers without Borders and they agreed to help her village community in the Eastern District start the project. of Namutumba needed a water well. She She started Kisaakye Community Empowerment thought quite deeply about how she could go Foundation (KCEF), a nonprofit organisation that Babout this project. provides clean water for the village. Together with the Engineers without Borders, the Rotary Club of Kasaranyi, a retired World Bank employee was driven Mityana, and the Namutamba Community Welfare to have the well built as she has witnessed young Organization (NWACO), they reviewed the project and children walking miles to fetch clean water. she started fundraising for money to do it.

Based in the United States then, she joined the Rotary Kasaranyi invested personal money to achieve the Club in Maryland to see if they might have a solution goal. To ensure work continued, she also reached out to her village’s predicament. It was there that she met to friends and family to join her cause.

| 47 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Ugandans in Manchester Help Each Other

ecently, a group of Ugandans living in RManchester City in the UK, decided to fundraise and help each other out. During the Luganda Church service in a local church in the city, a Community Support Fund was set up to help ease the disproportional effects of COVID-19 among the Ugandans.

They lobbied organisations, groups, and individuals to help in the reach-out programme to fellow Ugandans in the UK. An organisation called Forever Manchester responded with reusable face masks, soap, and sugar which was distributed among 120 households in the Greater Manchester area. They also procured food to go with the donations from the organisation, led by Enoch Mayanja Kiyaga and several Ugandan volunteers.

The volunteers involved were:

Mrs. Rose Ssali for technical guidance and support.

Mr. Cliff Kyobe Ssenyonjo for planning, procurement, and delivering of food to the collection point, then loading/unloading a truck-full of over 120 food boxes as early as 6 am in the morning.

Mr. Isaac Jakira for, for all the background planning and physically procuring of the rest of the items ready for packaging,” he said.

Ms. Samalie Waiswa for handling finances, planning for the project, offering her home freely as a collection point, and for single- handedly packing the rest of the items into the small bags.

Mr. Allan Ssemanda for financial advice and support

Ms. Carol Katusiime for confirming prices and quality.

The overall team ‘Manchester Bees’ who did the leg-work and day to-day, delivering the parcels to the rest of the community members: [Mr. Vincent Magombe; Mr. and Mrs. Kizito; Mr. Jordan Mubiru; Mr. Isaac Jakira; Mr. James Bateeze; Mrs. Lydia Kiyaga; Mrs. Sarah Kasagga; Mr. Jude Kibbalya; Mr. Enock Kimbowa; Mrs. Lydia Kaddu; Mr. Tom Magezi].

| 48 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity A Donation to Fight Crime in the Wild

ourism enthusiasts across Africa some protected areas, have considerably Tdonated a total of thirteen motorbikes reduced. with their riding jackets, and helmets to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), for The loss of tourism due to the COVID-19 the fight against wildlife crime in Uganda pandemic has led to a reduction of sources during the pandemic. Through their of revenue for UWA. This gesture of umbrella organisation, Africa Wildlife extending help to where it is needed most Foundation (AWF), According to AWF’s to conserve wildlife was very well received. Executive Director, Suudi Bamulesewa, the bikes were chosen to aid in fast-tracking On behalf of AWF, Mr. Bamulesewa UWA’s Wildlife Crime Investigation cases, pledged to continue supporting the and attend to incidences of wildlife crime conservation efforts and was delighted to across protected areas. be associated with UWA in fulfillment of their conservation mandate, by continuing UWA received and thanked AWF for the to support all efforts geared towards having bikes and numerous donations that were wildlife and tourism thrive in Uganda. handed over to the Chairman Board of Trustees, Dr. Panta Kasoma flanked by When he spoke, Sam Mwandha, the UWA UWA Executive Director, Sam Mwandha, director appreciated the great partnership and top management members at Uganda and the fantastic job AWF has been doing in Museum. This equipment strengthens law facilitating the protection of wildlife in the enforcement operations that is key in the country especially during the COVID-19 conservation of biodiversity. crisis. This enables UWA staff to effectively secure national parks better and frustrate He noted that the poaching incidences poachers and in the overall protection of that had previously increased around the parks.

| 49 Vol.4 OfTime Covid-19 The In Generosity Plot 18, Balikuddembe Road, Naguru Kampala, Uganda P.O Box 4310 Tel: +256 393 224 056 civsourceafrica.com | [email protected]