A Compilation of stories on Giving in the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Uganda - VOLUME 4 - Global Fund for ...
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VOLUME 4
A Compilation of stories on Giving in the time of
the Covid-19 Pandemic in Uganda
Pe r i o d C o v e r e d 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 Kampala,
Uganda
P.O Box 4310 Tel: +256 393 224 056
civsourceafrica.com
info@civsourcea.com
https://www.facebook.com/CivSourceAfrica
https://twitter.com/CivsourceAfrica
Table of
Contents
5 Foreword
6 Acknowledgements
7 Acronyms
8 Background
9 Chapter 1
Corporate Giving
15 Chapter 2
Giving In Crisis
19 Chapter 3
Public To The Rescue
32 Chapter 6
22 Chapter 4
Donating Much-Needed Blood
Children: A Tale Of
Adorable Givers
38 Chapter 7
Giving Within The Arts
42 Chapter 8
Giving Information
45 Chapter 9
Thinking Post-Coronavirus
24 Chapter 5
47 Chapter 10
Giving To Special Groups
Outside The Ugandan Borders
Foreword
W e are honored to bring you
the forth and final installment
of the “Generosity During COVID”
consistently showcase how all kinds
of individuals and communities are
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
W
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,
world 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.
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
|8
Chapter 1
CORPORATE GIVING
C
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
lockdown, 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,
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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
Five Million Shillings for Bushenyi An Information Hub to Save Small
Businesses
L etshego Holdings Ltd, under its
subsidiary Letshego
continued to help in the fight
Uganda,
S tanbic Bank started the COVID-19 Business
Info 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. Bushenyi District 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.
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
| 10Coca-Cola’s Hand Washing Installations
T he Namanve-based Coca-Cola
Beverages Africa (Uganda office)
continued to help in the country’s
like at the Taxi and bus park.
Abebe stated
commitment to support and
Coca-Cola’s
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
Mbarara, 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 Kalungu District’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
I n August-2020, Makerere University
donated three touchless handwashing kits
to Mulago National Referral Hospital and the
While collecting the donation on behalf of the
College of Health Sciences (CHS), Dr. Waiswa
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
| 11A 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
A fricell another
telecommunications
company, also joined the
campaign in raising awareness
about the need to prevent the
information on the radio, social
media, and Africell website.
Africell mobile customers also
had free access to essential
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,
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
| 12Data for a Good Cause
W hen Give Directly, an
NGO funded by USAID
needed to donate funds to
the most vulnerable populations in
Lira District, the telecommunication
into Lira District fiscal economy
for 2020, was supported by MTN
and Airtel telecommunication
companies, with no expectations
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
F resh Diary corporation
found a way to join the social
distancing campaign right
from the beginning of the lockdown
and well into September.
safety gear such as masks, gloves,
sanitisers, and maintaining social
distancing to re-assure consumer
safety. Payment for the orders would
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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
| 13Contraceptives at your Door
S imilarly, SafeBoda, a
transport company and
online market place, did
the same, by delivering female
contraceptives door to door to
Betty Nagadya, a Village Health
Team member attached to Sentema
Health Centre II, stated how this
was such a welcome addition
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,
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
| 14Chapter 2
GIVING IN CRISIS
I n this chapter, we recognise people who gave
in spite of not having much. These are people
who responded because there was a need and
decided to do something about it themselves, even in
the midst of the spread, and decided to support the
opportunity to celebrate Uganda’s generosity. They
used the situation to show how human rights can still
be upheld even in the middle of a pandemic.
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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 Zombo
District, 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
| 15A District’s Gift Another Village’s Help
B usia District may not have much, with an
annual local revenue collection of UGX 270
Million ($73,000) from a population of 360,000
I t started when the roads that connected
Butaleja District to Mbale City were cut off
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.
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
| 16Another Village’s Help
H opewell Balinda first noticed the snails on two of the banana plants
in 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
workforce so as to manually
still low, the profit
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.” Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
| 17Another 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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
pandemic.
them do for
you”,
| 18Chapter 3
PUBLIC TO THE RESCUE
I
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
means 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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
| 19Helping their Own
A section of private school teachers in Gulu City
and surrounding areas launched a social media
campaign dubbed, Open our Schools or Feed the
Teachers. 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,
S heikh Erias Kigozi is celebrated by people of
all walks of life for his philanthropic lifestyle
as evidenced on his social media platforms where
mainly from Private schools, received food packages right
in their homes.
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
| 20Helping Teacher Hasakya Get a Wheelchair
I n June-2020, Hasakya Jackson, a
former teacher at Uganda Martyr’s
Mixed Primary School Namagunga
money.
He raised awareness about Hasakya
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
| 21Chapter 4
DONATING MUCH-NEEDED BLOOD
B
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
of blood, or at their very last reserves. stock up the blood bank at Mbarara District Hospital.
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
| 22Arua’s Felix Leads by Example More Blood for Uganda
F elix Drapari whose job is surveillance
over the city of Arua’s need for emergency
services, is passionate about people and their
B lood 4 Uganda, a community of blood donors
that encourage others to donate, was very helpful
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
| 23Chapter 5
GIVING TO SPECIAL GROUPS
P
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
the 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
| 24This is her story:
W hen the lockdown started,
restrictive measures were put in
place, including a ban on public and
problem became bigger across the
country, and included many more
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
I t had been months since they had
seen their friend and colleague, Mercy
Ariokot, better known as Toto. Mercy, a
stomach illness.
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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
| 25Masks for the Vulnerable
J amila Mayanja, a philanthropist and
fashion designer with Smart Girls
Uganda, partnered with another fashion
with a bottle of hand sanitizer at no cost.
While this was distributed free among the
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
A story in Nakamiro
Zone, Bwaise II Ward,
Kawempe Division in
For instance, they were
given assistive devices like
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
| 26The Social Worker with A Heart of Gold
M any private health workers
started testing positive
for corona-virus. Through the
is being neglected yet it is a key
component of the response.
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
T he Kids Club Kampala
responded to children’s
needs of malnutrition and
families who otherwise would
have gone hungry, by donating
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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
| 27Agaba’s Commitment to Orphans
O wen Agaba is a young
man from Mbarara with
many passions. During the
orphaned but also lived on the
streets of Mbarara and needed
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
I n Uganda, all students were
sent home in March-2020 with
no clear return date, due to the
to the fact that the bodily harm
that some children are exposed
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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
| 28Kamwaka to Ensure Children are Reading
T wesigye John Kamwaka
is a man whose love
for children and literature
stimulating them to gain
immeasurable knowledge
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
A Philanthropist’s Strides to Help
Vulnerable Children
not enough to go around.
This is the reason that lead
his mission. He describes
the quality of education in
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
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
| 29A Plea to Feed Mityana’s Vulnerable Children
A s the lockdown eased, some
parents around Mityana
District could still barely put
Since kindness gives hope to
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
Mityana District, 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
R obert Katende first came into the limelight
for 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.
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.”
| 30Lacrosse Enthusiasts Rescued their Own
T he pandemic and lockdown have left many
players without a day’s meal. African and
Jewish Lacrosse enthusiasts donated to a
The Lacrosse enthusiasts believe that it is in
times like this that many would give up on the
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,
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
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.
| 31Chapter 6
A TALE OF ADORABLE GIVERS
T
o help Bududa District 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
the 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.
In deepened sorrow, we wail
Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.4
Their poem is called “Stay Home, Stay Safe” and is a
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
village in Bududa District was very well received, and
Of may his soul rest in peace
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
| 32You can also read
