GENEROSITY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 - VOLUME 3 A Compilation of stories on Giving in the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Uganda - Global Fund for ...
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GENEROSITY IN THE TIME O F COV I D - 1 9 VOLUME 3 A Compilation of stories on Giving in the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Uganda Period Covered JULY 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
WHERE PHILANTHROPY MEETS CIVIL SOCIETY
Table of Contents Foreword 5 Acknowledegments 6 Acronyms 7 Background 8 Chapter 1 9 Philanthropy By The Business Sector Chapter 2 15 Civil Society Giving Chapter 3 22 Giving By Alumni Associations And Communities Chapter 4 27 Giving by Individuals Chapter 5 34 Giving To And By People With Disability Chapter 6 41 Giving To Conserve Nature Chapter 7 48 Art and Giving Chapter 8 55 A Regional Glance -Western Uganda 55 - Eastern Uganda 62 - Northern uganda 67 List of Donations 72 Reported by National Taskforce
Foreword
The easing of the COVID-19 induced and of elderly persons. We bring you
lockdown is ongoing, and some sectors stories of people giving to protect our
of the economy have recommenced national parks and the wildlife that
operations. The curfew in the country are crucial to our tourism industry.
was extended from 19:00hrs to We bring you stories of people helping
21:00hrs. Some shopping malls are children get access to books, to enable
now open, and they must comply with them continue reading, despite
the COVID-19 standard operating schools still being closed.
procedures issued by the Ministry of
Health. Public transport has resumed A key thread in the stories is that
around the country. people are giving and sharing
whatever they can. This goes to show
This is the current context as we that giving is not about money. Giving
share Volume 3 of “Generosity in the is first and foremost about the heart.
Time of Covid-19”. We previously We also reiterate that our report is but
shared two other editions of giving a small glimpse into the multitude
chronicles. In this third instalment we of giving stories across the country.
also share stories and interviews from We hope that this report helps us
individuals and organizations that appreciate and celebrate the giving
gave during the COVID-19 lockdown hearts. Our dream is that givers in
in Uganda. Uganda will demand a framework
for accountability for what they give.
The ‘UBUNTU’ spirit (I am because Better accountability engenders more
we are) that indwells us continues giving. We also need to work towards a
to flourish within communities and sounder legal and policy structure for
individuals. The stories we share giving and philanthropy in Uganda.
here show that Ugandans are indeed
capable and willing to step in to give We wish you good reading!
a hand to those who are in need. In
this 3rd volume, we bring you stories Karibu!
of Ugandans coming to the aid of
teachers, of persons with disabilities CivSource Team
6 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
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.
7 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Acronyms
AIRD African Initiatives for Relief and Development
CBO Community-Based Organisations
COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease of 2019
CSO Civil Society Organisations
CSR Community Social Responsibility
IDI Infectious Disease Institute
IDRC Infectious Disease Research collaboration
LDU Local Defense Unit
NGO Non-Governmental Organisations
OPM Office of the Prime Minister
PPE Protective Personal Equipment
PTA Parent Teacher Association
RDC Resident District Commissioner
UCDA Uganda Coffee Development Authority
UGX Uganda Shillings
URN Uganda Radio Network
UVRI Uganda Virus Research Institute
VHTs Village Health Teams
WASH Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
WHO World Health Organisation
8 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Background
Originating miles away in Wuhan city The effects of the loss of income and
in the Republic of China, the highly economic activity were felt into August
infectious Covid-19 virus forced countries 2020, even after the lockdown eased. The
across the world to close borders and informal sector in Uganda that accounts
halt movement. On 31st-March-2020, for about 80% of the country’s workforce,
Uganda announced its first coronavirus was hardest hit as the restrictions on work
case. The news sent a wave of panic across meant that many families went hungry.
the country and resulted in a national
lockdown. This report is a deliberate effort by
CivSource Africa to capture the spirit of
The lockdown restricted all public giving and community that happened
transport and private cars from moving, during this time when Ugandans could
except for traveling essential workers. not work - and therefore many could
A curfew was introduced; schools were not eat. This here, is proof that African
closed; large gatherings prohibited and Philanthropy exists and thrives even
shopping places closed – except those when in moments of deep crisis. This
selling food. Restricted movement is the report documents for the third time, the
best means to limit the spread of the virus, giving and acts of Ubuntu that took place
but this resulted in the majority of the in this season, in response to the need of
Ugandan population being left in a dire the times.
economic state.
9 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Chapter 1
Philanthropy By The Business
Community
Highlights Of Philanthropy By The Business Community
UGX 140million 3 toll-free lines, 3000 litres of milk
(about $38,000) 5 phones loaded
with 700 minutes
for the vulnerable of talk-time plus
communities. 5GBs each. UGX 142.8 million
($39,000) from the
UGX 4million Blood donors Coffee Industry.
(over $1000) to
Kyotera town
1000 prepaid cards One million
to health partners condoms worth
$50,000
10 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
I n the first phase of the
lockdown, the private
sector focused their giving
the bank also provided
1000 prepaid phone sim-
cards to organizations and
great constraints to operate
on a day to day basis.
directly to the National health partners to facilitate Letshego Holdings Ltd,
COVID-19 Taskforce, as cashless payments to under its subsidiary
recorded in CivSource’s frontline staff and other Letshego Uganda donated
Volume 1 of, “Generosity essential workers. a consignment of goods
During COVID-19”. In worth UGX 4million (over
Volume Two, most of the The cards were issued to $1000) to Kyotera town as
giving recorded was done the Uganda Virus Research contribution to the district’s
directly to those in dire Institute (UVRI), Infectious efforts in managing the
need across the country. Disease Institute (IDI), impact of the coronavirus
In this Volume, however, Infectious Disease Research pandemic.
we notice that the private Collaboration (IDRC), and
sector has gone public with African Initiatives for ReliefSpeaking to the press,
its philanthropic acts of and Development (AIRD). Giles Aijukwe, the CEO for
giving and made it their CSR This is a deliberate move by Letshego said during times
projects in response to the the bank to help prevent the of uncertainty and crisis,
pandemic crisis. spread of the virus through one cannot emphasize
contact, by eliminating the enough the need to support
For example, Stanbic Bank- exchange of cash notes. one another, and how
Uganda purchased food unity brings collective
items worth UGX 140million This season’s most notable strength. With individual
(about $38,000) for the recipients recorded in the sources of income being
vulnerable communities acts of giving are the Loving lost and businesses
affected by the lockdown, Hearts Babies Home and closing, unemployment
besides its initial UGX Munyonyo Children’s Home is at its worst. Letshego
100million (about $27,000) by Stanbic Bank. Ms Barbara therefore could not pass the
initially donated to the Kasekende, the Corporate opportunity to partner with
OPM. This was done Social Investments an initiative that is already
throughout the country Manager, acknowledged the taking strides in bettering
reaching up to 4,000 hard realities of the most their community.
individuals in vulnerable vulnerable in communities
communities. like these two children’s
Besides the relief food items, homes that were under11 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Blood Donation
With the shortages at the of talk-time plus 5GB of data by the telecom’s marketing and
blood-bank, the private sector each, and routers loaded with communication experts.
stepped in to help. Africell data to guarantee connectivity
Uganda gave the Uganda Blood at the Blood Bank is accessible Mr. Michael Mukundane, the
Transfusion Services (UBTS) and stable during the pandemic. Public Relations Officer of
a communication package The Blood Transfusion Services UBTS, welcomed the help as
to aid their activities against are intentional about providing it addresses the urgent need
COVID-19. a continued service to those for fresh blood from voluntary
in crisis and in need of blood, donors, for recipients that
The goal was to facilitate by closing the gap that exists require blood transfusions;
communication among key between the community and among others - those that are
staff in the different branches the service center. The complete severely anaemic, that include
across the country at a time communication package will mothers, accident victims,
when movement was heavily enable people to be reached, as children, sickle cell and cancer
restricted due to COVID-19 well as enable the public have to patients. He praised Africell for
lockdown measures. access these free services. enhancing their communication
Speaking to the media, as it would enable and support
Edgar Karamagi, the Africell Advertising the blood drives the continuous flow of blood
Spokesperson, revealed that the has been extensively done donation by extending the
package comprised 3 toll-free via the digital footprint with donor pool as far as the
lines, 5 phones with 700 minutes campaigns directly managed campaigns reach.12 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
A Million Condoms
DKT Uganda, the makers of KISS countrywide during the from the rapid spread of
and Fiesta Condom brands, pandemic since most of the COVID-19, sexual activity among
and Dembe Group donated children are out of school. teenagers has increased the
one million condoms worth occurrence of STDs and teenage
$50,000 to the Ministry of Speaking to the press, the Chief pregnancies.
Health. This was a reminder of Executive Officer Anil Damani,
the importance of reproductive explained how Dembe Group The donation could not have
health amidst the pandemic. came up with the initiative to come at a better time, given
reduce unwanted pregnancies that up to 2,300 teenagers got
While receiving the donation, during the lockdown. pregnant during the lockdown.
the Health Minister, Dr. Ruth
Aceng stated how the cases of In as much as Uganda has
sexual abuse have increased safeguarded the population13 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Commercial Farmers Donate
When Esther Baroma, the with the government, the against the pandemic.
Mukono District Women’s Uganda Coffee Development The Neuman Gruppe, (that own
League Chairperson reported Authority (UCDA) mobilized the Kaweri Coffee Plantation
that people were going to the stakeholders in the coffee that is the largest coffee
bed hungry, the district dairy industry to donate food and plantation in Uganda), donated
farmers responded. The Mukono other essential items for the relief food items directly to some
district chairman, Andrew vulnerable and poor who districts, as well as donating
Ssenyonga led the team that survive on daily earnings. The UGX 15million (about $4,000) to
distributed the milk to the current lockdown limited the the National Taskforce,
patients and their attendants at earning of many, and many still They gave 5 tons of beans and
Mukono General Hospital. go without food. 7 tons of maize to the RDC’s
office in Mubende District and
Ssenyonga said they decided Led by Hon. Vincent Sempijja, to Ankole Coffee Producers Co-
to distribute 200 liters of milk the Minister of Agriculture, op Union Ltd (ACPCU) located
to different health units daily, Animal Industry and Fisheries, in Sheema district in South
bringing the amount of milk the farmers handed over Western Uganda.
distributed to over 3,000 liters. several items to the head of the
The small-scale farmers task force, Hon. Mary Karooro An additional UGX 12 million
continued to share with Okurut. The items included ($3,200) was given for fuel
neighbours and the large-scale a total of UGX 142.8 million to take women in labour to
farmers donated on a bigger (About $39,000) in cash and two hospital in the districts of
scope, some going all the way to brand new pickup trucks. Shema, Bushenyi, Mitooma,
the national level. While many In addition to that, the Uganda Rubirizi, Rwampara, Buhweju,
did it as individuals, the coffee Coffee Development Authority Ibanda, Kiruhura, Mbarara,
farmers mobilized themselves contributed 2,000 packs of Ntungamo and Kazo, where the
and donated as a group. ground Uganda coffee for cooperative buys coffee.
In the spirit of standing together the frontline staff in the fight14 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
14
Coffee Farmers Cash Donations at a Glance
Organization Donation
Kampala Domestic Stores 5,000,000
Nakana Coffee Ltd 5,000,000
Besmark Coffee Company Ltd 5,000,000
Ankole Coffee Producers Co-op Union Ltd 15,000,000
Ibero Uganda 50,000,000
CECOFA 300,000
Zigoti Coffee Works 1,500,000
Coffee World 1,000,000
Sena Indo Uganda Ltd 1,000,000
LD Commodities 20,000,000
Olam Uganda Ltd 25,000,000
Commodity Solutions 10,000,000
Gayaza Coffee Roasters 1,000,000
Platinum Commodities Ltd 1,000,000
Bollore Transport and Logistics Uganda 2,000,000
Total 142,800,00015 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Chapter 2
Civil Society Giving16 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
The response from national and international to emergency response and several other social
non-profits has been matchless. Without a dimensions.
given budget for the pandemic, a sense of III. CSOs brought their logistical expertise
obligation to find and create ways and means in areas like food distribution to establish a
to meet needs that went beyond any budget voucher that is effective system in emergency.
possible, has been the most recent evidence
of what philanthropy is all about in the 21st IV. CSOs monitored and documented the
Century. lessons emerging from the emergency period
for purposes of learning and building strong
Through the National Non-Governmental response practices for the future including the
Organizations Forum (NGO-Forum) that post-Covid-19 period.
includes Community Service (CBO’s) civil
society organizations did the following: V. CSOs did not request resources or funding
from Government in the emergency phase
I. CSOs contributed expertise in emergency but instead worked with their donors to
response. channel initially approved programmatic
II. CSOs contributed expertise in community funds towards emergency response wherever
mobilization and sensitization, psychosocial possible, as their contribution to the
support, child friendly approaches in emergency response in the Covid-19 fight.
emergency, gender and disability approaches
For more information on Civil Society Giving view https://gcap.global/wp-content/
uploads/2020/04/Civil-Society-Contributions-to-the-Uganda-Covid-19-Response.pdf17 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Work Begins
CSOs provided a formidable buttress for the coronavirus.
response to humanitarian need during the
pandemic in Uganda. For example, when Due to the uncertainty and financial strain
deaths from the coronavirus were associated of the lockdown period, the aim is to raise
with pre-existing health conditions by the money for patients under our care to be able
WHO, Sanctuary Medical Foundation, a Not- to access their medication for the next six
for-Profit organization, known for its work months,” they explained.
in Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs),
quickly launched a fundraising drive to A call was made for individuals willing to
prevent deaths among patients by providing help patients who found themselves having to
health service support and screening, as well choose between food and medication during
as health awareness on the virus. the lockdown.
Many of the Foundation’s patients are
Their focus was on ensuing that those with hypertensive, diabetic, and sometimes both.
pre-existing conditions were in good health, They need medication that will be subsidized
and were not exposed to possible infection, to UGX 10,000 (about$3) per month as
through health promotion and safety and opposed to nearly UGX 200,000 ($54) that
social practices, that would protect them they would have spent.
against being infection by the coronavirus.
They ended by emphasizing the fact that
The organization runs free medical camps unlike the general belief, Non-Communicable
around the country screening for NCDs, and Diseases affect the less fortunate just as
endeavors to provide subsidized medical much as they do the rich. Sadly, for the less
care for patients. However, the organization fortunate, should COVID-19 strike, it might
is short of funds to run the necessary tests find them unable to fend off the disease
and to provide the required medication. known to kill those battling poor health.
Their goal is to ensure proper management of
patients with NCDs if they are infected by the18 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
A Contactless Soap Dispenser for Crowded Places
In a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, a soap dispensing in crowded places. “Financial
group of youth innovated a contactless soap support is needed to enable us to produce
dispenser. Sustainable Youth Development more dispensers for different communities,
Foundation (SYDF), a community-based especially the rural ones and border districts of
organization, specifically targeted its Uganda,” they said.
innovation to crowded slums and rural
communities. They believed that in these They maintain that their commitment is
places, where many share a piece of soap, towards helping communities beat pandemics
chances of infection while sanitizing are high. like COVID-19, by ensuring better preparation.
They have since carried out hands-on skilling
The organization’s dispenser prototype helps of the youth on hygiene and soap making.
limit theft of soap in these crowded places.
They mount different sizes of liquid soap While doing this, the Foundation which
containers onto handwashing stations by advocates for clean environmental practices,
either welding or using screws. uses the chance to sensitize the community on
environmental issues.
Their target is to that see their innovation,
dubbed Naomi Hand Wash and Liquid Soap, “A true social entrepreneur is one who can
taken to the crowded Mpererwe Market. They think and work through the unexpected, do
committed to producing at least 200 liters of something positive about the present situation,
liquid soap to donate to the market, as well. and plan and work towards the future,” they
said.
The organization is looking to start a
nationwide drive to encourage contactless19 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Protecting the Rolex Vendor from COVID-19
As the country returns to a new normal, the soap. While donating the items, there will be
need to protect street food vendors against the information about the coronavirus passed on
deadly coronavirus grows. With this in mind, to each recipient.
Rolex Initiative, the philanthropic arm of the
Rolex Festival, has rolled out a philanthropic “We understand that rolex vendors remain
drive to that effect. at the forefront of providing meals to the
population because food is an essential
The organization gets its name from the rolex, human right. We are therefore gathering more
a popular Ugandan street food that is typically support to reach as many numbers as possible;
an egg omelette and vegetables wrapped in your favorite meal shouldn’t be served at the
pan-fried chapati. expense of a life.”
To transform the informal sector to the formal, To ensure even more vendors are reached, the
the organization’s first stride will be hygienic organization rolled out a fundraising drive
meal preparation and skills training. “One of that calls on many to join this pertinent cause.
our strong objectives is to empower, equip and “We are looking for support in the form of
promote healthier meal preparation amongst products and cash to allow us to acquire all the
rolex makers,” they explained. “We continue essentials to equip this sector of the economy”
to move around the city during this uncertain they said.
period to advocate for the safety performance
of rolex makers to fight COVID-19.” Note that on top of the philanthropic act,
the initiative is also looking to use improved
In these COVID-19 times, their campaign chapati making machines to reduce hand
dubbed, Our Safe Street Food involves contact with food. They believe that this
equipping rolex vendors with the essentials will help prevent infectious diseases like
like reusable face masks, aprons, chef hats, and coronavirus.20 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Food for 300 Families in Mityana District
A group of philanthropists came together to Sadly, many of the affected people are single
fundraise for the hungry in Mityana District. mothers and elderly grandmothers. “With
Through their organisation called Mityana schools now closed, all children are at home
Charity, the philanthropists called on friends thereby increasing the challenges of providing
both here and abroad to join in their campaign household necessities and food.
to feed at least 300 families.
Those that could previously afford one meal
“These lockdowns are necessary measures to a day, are now struggling to find anything to
contain the spread of COVID-19 and they have eat,” they explained. Before the decision to help
proved successful in many countries. However, the families, some of the mothers had already
they have presented economic interruptions started reaching out for support to buy maize
which are unprecedented in many ways and flour and beans to enable their families to
require state and other partners to support survive.
vulnerable households economically and
medically,” they elucidated. They appealed to friends to raise funds to buy
at least 6,120kgs of maize flour and 3,200kgs of
They further explained that because of the beans to benefit over 300 households as they
lockdowns, the economy experienced a get through these very difficult times.
downward trend. Prices of food and non-
food items has hiked and there is loss of “Indeed, if we do not respond to the cry of
employment, and closure of many companies. God’s people, they may face many more health
challenges as a result of COVID-19. Let us
“Small businesses run by low-income earners together scale up the fight against COVID-19 by
cannot operate (e.g. salon operators, boda- supporting the livelihood of the people in most
boda riders, market vendors, and taxi drivers) need,” they said.
so they have had no income for about two
months,” they said.21 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
A New Roof for Singiro Public School
In the thick of the lockdown, heavy winds blew therefore, our humble request to all well-
the roof off a classroom block at Singiro Public wishers to donate to this noble cause.” As
School in Kyazanga Town Council. Sadly, the community joined the fundraising, the
this was the only permanent structure in a organization reached out to those far and
school that serves a large section of the Singiro beyond.
community.
They suggested that another modest structure
The date may not be known yet but should be built at a total cost of UGX 55.727 million
the Ministry of Education announce the re- (about $16,000). “You can reach Singiro Village
opening of schools, the pupils in this school Hope for Orphans bank account at DFCU
will not have a classroom. Lyantonde branch Uganda. The account name
is Singiro Village Hope for Orphans, and the
With this in mind, Singiro Village Hope account number is 01641115729483.”
for Orphans (SVHO), a community-based
organization, mobilized the community and Progress has been made as works are currently
church to start fundraising for a structure. on-going in the school. A structure has been
They did this because the distance to the built and is now awaiting plastering of the
closest school would lead to school dropouts in walls and floors. The organization hopes to
the community. be done with the building by the time schools
re-open.
“Where will the pupils have lessons from
since our permanent building is down?” the “We would like to thank all of you who
organization paused the question that began supported us, brothers, sisters, friends, and
the fundraising drive. well-wishers. Your financial support has
enabled us to reach this stage,” they celebrated.
They quickly made an official plea: “It’s,22 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Chapter 3
Giving By Alumni Associations
And Communities23 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
When Innocent Ndiko, first reached out to her former classmates at Nakasero Primary School, Class
of 1983, she didn’t know what to expect. “I found out that the lockdown had been hard on them; some
people had lost jobs!
They were in really terrible places in life, it was bad,” she recalls. Ndiko knew that she had to do
something. She immediately reached out to the other classmates through their WhatsApp group and
asked if they could raise some food for those who had nothing to eat. They did. “We raised UGX 3million
(about $800). It was
sent to those who openly said they needed help,” she says.
Even if the distribution of help was private, the reactions somehow went public when people returned
to the group to say thank you. “My heart was touched; looking at those messages of gratitude made me
cry, I knew I had to do more for people,” she narrates.
Gayaza Old Girls Fundraise
Ndiko reached out to her classmates at Gayaza be collected. It was. “We raised over 12million
High School, Class of 1984. She asked if anyone ($3,200) and it was given to the teachers at the
was going through a hard time and needed help. school,” she says.
This was different, the ladies from her former
secondary school were not as forthcoming. Priority was given to teachers who were not on
the government payroll and therefore had no
“I then called a teacher at the school and learned source of income now that schools are closed.
that all was not well. The things they were doing The class of 1984 raised about UGX 3Million
to surviving were tough,” she recalls. “I returned ($800).
to my classmates and asked if we could instead
fundraise for the teachers that needed our help.” Of this, 2 million was given to the teachers and
1million to former classmates who eventually
She also decided to reach out to the Parent- reached out for help. An elated Ndiko again knew
Teacher Association (PTA) to see if more could there more to be done.24 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
A Buddo Fundraising
“If the teachers at Gayaza were struggling, that According to Kalungi Kabuye, a journalist with
means the ones in Buddo and several other Vision Group, when combined with what the
schools were going through the same”. Ms Ndiko PTA raised, Buddo old students and parents
spoke of how the notion to extend the fundraising in different classes and years raised up to UGX
to King’s College Buddo was birthed. 15million ($4,000) during the lockdown.
“I sold the idea to the Buddo PTA Chairman and Innocent Ndiko who sits on several boards
he agreed to it. We allowed ourselves a week to believes more schools can do the same. “I hope
collect the money and raised over 8 million in Mwiri Boys’ School joins the fundraising for their
five days,” she says. Just like with Gayaza, this teachers and fellow students,” she said.
money was given to teachers that are not on the
government payroll.25 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Communities
The Yemen Muslim Community living in the Yemen communities in Eastern Region, it was our
Eastern Region of Uganda fundraised and pleasure to give the little we have in this fight,’’
donated UGX 10million ($2,700) to the National Hajji Mazrui said.
COVID Task force. While receiving the donation,
Mary Karooro Okurut, the Minister for General The Turkish community in Uganda donated 50
Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister bicycles to the National COVID-19 Taskforce. At
commended the community for being friends in the event, Kerem Alp, the head of the Turkish
need. Community in Uganda said that the bicycles
should be given to Kitgum and Sembabule
On his part, Hajji Ali Mahammad Mazrui and the districts.
vice-chairman Yemen Community in Uganda
said that this was a time for everyone to become a “Majority of health workers in Sembabule and
philanthropist and that they were honored to be Kitgum hospitals do not have transport to work.
helping out a country that is hosting them. We have therefore given 50 bicycles to help in
“This has been an honour. On behalf of the their frontline fight against COVID-19,” Alp said.26 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Associations
A fundraising drive was launched by The Uganda fight against COVID-19, with health workers all
Medical Association (UMA) to raise PPEs for the over the world expressing their dissatisfaction
frontline workers. This was done through two at the failure by their governments to provide
initiatives; from the public and with a swipe-pay adequate PPE, thereby putting their lives at risk.
mobile payment facility. On the political front, the National Resistance
Movement youth pressure group dubbed
Since the inception of the idea, UMA also revealed “Generation 7” donated 8,000 sanitary pads to
that they secured 175 million shillings worth teenage girls in Kasese Districts.
of funding from the Open Society Initiative in
Eastern Africa, which they used to buy PPEs. They While donating the pads worth UGX 3.8million
distributed the PPEs through their 14 branches (about $1,000), the chairperson, Gilbert Olinga
countrywide, as a way of supporting the national said that majority of the girls have been affected
COVID-19 response. by both the lockdown and floods and would need
pads.
PPE has been a major challenge in the global27 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Chapter 4
Giving by Individuals
Credits: togetherforgirls28 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Young Girl Re-United With Family
While driving back home stringent curfew times. heard the story. Quickly, he
one evening, Don Innocent offered to help: “Bring her to
Wanyama, a Senior Presidential “Whereas she had a phone, she my home in Lumuli, Seeta.
Press Secretary, found a teenage didn’t have her boss’ number, Tomorrow, I will find a way of
girl called Laetitia stranded in her parent’s number and neither getting her to her village.”
Naalya, a suburb in Kampala. did she have that of the lady who
The distressed young girl, aged picked her up from Namayingo When Don got to Moses’ house,
between 13-15 years, was seated District. he learned that Hon Mayende
by the roadside. Concerned, he Dede, the Bukooli South MP,
stopped and asked if she was Before he could do anything, where Laetitia’s village is located,
okay. She was not. Don needed to confirm her story, had been contacted. Even better,
which he did. A person in the the legislator had promised to
“I am stranded. I was working neighbourhood who had been pick Laetitia up since he was
as a house help for a woman watching her confirmed her traveling the following day to
in Ntinda. Three days ago, she story of three days scavenging in Namayingo. He did.
threw me out of her house. I have that area.
been staying in the cold these “Hon Dede indeed picked
three days and nights,” the girl “So, what do you want? How Laetitia up from Oguttu’s
narrated. can I be of help?” he asked her. home and delivered her to
“I just want to get back home, Namayingo. He confirmed to us
Her English was not perfect, to my parents,” she answered, that Laetitia has been reunited
but upon digging further, sobbing as she clasped a dirty with her family,” an elated Don
he learned that her Lusamia polythene bag, which held all concluded his narration of the
(a dialect spoken in parts of her “property”. heartwarming act of giving.
Eastern Uganda) was good. Her
account thereon left him nearly It was getting late, past 6pm to It might have ended well, but
depressed. be specific, and Don didn’t know Don could not fathom how cruel
what to do to help the young the world had been to the young
“Someone came to her village in girl. Almost instantly, a thought girl. Despite that, he was glad
Namayingo a couple of months crossed his mind. that Laetitia got home safely.
back, seeking for a house help to
work for someone in Kampala,” “My good friend Moses Oguttu “Allow me to thank my friend
he recounted. knows the entire Samia and brother Moses Oguttu and
landscape like the back of his his wife,” he began. “This guy has
Sadly, Laetitia had gone months hand,” he thought. Lucky for the a heart of gold. He did not even
without pay and did not have young girl, Don’s friend, Oguttu think twice about sheltering
a shilling to show for the time had a solution. Laetitia and helping get her back
spent working. She had instead to her home. Thanks, Hon Dede
been thrown out in the cold at “No, that’s sad,” a concerned for delivering the girl to her
a time when the country had Oguttu responded when he parents.”29 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Saving Teacher Lily
When Lydia Ajwang first made however, the Doctors say longer we wait the worse
a plea to the public to save her
there is a solution. the condition gets. You can
paralyzed mother, she did not
know what to expect. Her mother, also save Lily by sending
It involves first removing
Adongo Lily, a head teacher at financial support to the
Bata Secondary School, in Dokolo
the tumor from the spinal following phone numbers.
District, has a condition that
causes paralysis. She needed
cord through surgery. This
Despite the financial strain caused
individuals, to come to her will help in re-activating by the lockdown in Uganda, in a
her nerves since the nerves
mother’s rescue and do it in just few days, the public responded
a week’s time. Explaining the
will be free to move again; with over UGX 12million (about
condition, she wrote: $3,200) of the money needed
she will, therefore, be
for the surgery and the hospital
It is a meningioma, a tumor able to walk and do basic agreed to operate.
in the spinal cord. Doctors chores afresh.
“I feel so heavy-hearted, so
say it is inactivating and burdened yet so loved, thanks
re-activating her nerves The surgery costs UGX
to my virtual family. Thank you
and sensors, thus causing 23million ($5,400) and for the contributions,” an elated
paralysis. She can no this money needs to be Ajwang said. “Through you all, my
raised in one week, which mummy can walk again. Every
longer write, sit, walk cent counts.”
or turn herself in bed, is by 28th July 2020. The30 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Twenty Thousand Books for Twenty Vulnerable
Communities
As the country starts to ease wellbeing of children and could books will encourage them to keep
the lockdown, philanthropist also cause a risk in terms of reading and learning through this
Lizza Kawooya is ensuring the discouraging of children from pandemic.
young people are reading. “Due learning.
to the ongoing global pandemic, “You too can help us to get a book
Uganda’s schools have been “It will eventually lead to to a child at just UGX 10,000
closed, leaving 15 million children increased learning inequality gaps (about $3). Your gift of UGX
without access to teachers, and a high school drop rate in 50,000 (about $14) gives 5 books
libraries, or online learning and Uganda,” she says. “Our goal is to to 5 children, and they will be able
friends,” she explains. get books to children so that they to even share with their friends in
can fall in love with reading and the communities where they live,”
“Children, especially from eventually read to learn. During she implored the public.
vulnerable rural communities, are this global pandemic, children
in complete isolation, in terms of need friends and encouragement, She ends by noting that books
continuous learning which now and a book can be that friend.” are just the friend a child needs
requires internet, televisions, and for this lockdown. It is not known
radio sets. Most families in these Kawooya is, therefore, fundraising when schools will re-open as the
communities do not have these for up to 20,000 books and hopes government is still pondering the
facilities.” to reach children in 20 vulnerable impact of this decision.
rural communities in the 4 regions
She says that this affected the of Uganda. She hopes that the31 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
A Studio to Help with Unemployment
Like it did in several countries, this,” he says. deejaying. He says that this will
the lockdown caused the loss of This is the notion that birthed help in upgrading the creativity
jobs. In Uganda, the music and a project he calls, The Integrity level of the artistes in ensuring the
technology savvy, Kizebwana Sounds Uganda. This was initially quality of music produced. The
David Victor started a social aimed at improving music by goal is to grow this into a big and
enterprise that will provide a way setting up a music studio, then trustworthy social business that
forward for some of the recently COVID-19 happened. will provide even more jobs.
unemployed youth.
“The mission of this studio is to “In Uganda, most studios are set
He says that this is a time for not only to produce music but up and operate as home-based
reflection on what else the youth also to provide employment studios, but the Integrity Sounds
can do to survive. opportunities to youths through studio is a business-oriented
production, receptionists, and initiative with a long term goal
“I have been graced with the the workforce team in the field,” of operating on a large scale,
opportunity to be a diversified he stated. The studio also intends recording all kinds of music and
skilled person not only in to implement training classes for discovering talents in every aspect
information technology but the various skillsets therein. First, of life,” he further explained.
professional musical skills too. In they will carry out hands-on skills
a time like this, self-employment training like piano playing and
is the way to go if we are to survive then move on to other skills like32 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Mbaali Now Has a Wheelchair
She urgently needed a wheelchair, someone can help me with with Mbaali.
anything to ease movement. With a wheelchair, that would
the philanthropy happening “On June 6th, 2020, a fundraiser to
be my greatest relief,” she
during the lockdown, Mtoka buy a wheelchair for 70-year-old
pleaded.
Mbaali decided to crowdsource. Mtoka Mbaali, was launched on
Through the online crowdfunding Dolphin Fund.
She said that though she needed
platform, Dolphin Fund, a
help with the basics, a wheelchair
fundraising drive was started on Ladies and gentlemen, at 100.14%,
would help reduce the weight
her behalf. we are glad to report that in just
of her problem and allow her to
21 days, it is fully funded,” the
move. To buy the wheelchair, she
“My case is rather complex. I have Dolphin Fund team celebrated.
needed seven-hundred thousand
been bedridden for 3 years. The
shillings, a sum that was raised on
little money I had saved was spent “A brand new wheelchair will be
the platform in just a few weeks.
on medication, and never-ending delivered to her within a few days.
Her plight touched many hearts
electricity and water bills. We take this opportunity to thank
and despite not knowing her,
you for supporting this cause, for
people donated almost instantly.
By the time COVID-19 crept in, welcoming and trusting Dolphin
my savings were already depleted, Fund, where we fundraise for
Dolphin Fund, a crowdfunding
and my sons who were lending a causes close to your heart. May
site that launched during the
hand lost their jobs,” she said. “If God bless you.”
lockdown, celebrated every step33 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Pastor Byaruhanga Feeds the Needy
Julius Byaruhanga, a pastor with Western Ugandan District. who helped him deliver food to
Singiro’s Independent Baptist “To our disappointment, the families struggling to get even the
Church in Kyazanga Town Council number that came was higher day’s meal.
has been feeding the poor during than those we had expected. In
the pandemic-induced lockdown. fact, the number doubled, it was “I am happy that through our
Not that he has much himself, but a clear indication that there were fundraising, 75 families received
the preacher used his platform many whom we did not reach,” he 5kgs of maize, 3kgs of beans, a half
to make a plea to all and sundry said. a bar of soap and packet of salt. We
to feed those in dire need. The pray that our benefactors receive
response was positive, and though The man of God then pleaded God’s continuous blessings,” an
his target was to feed and clothe with well-wishers to help: “I have elated Byaruhanga said.
at least 500 people, he started at a witnessed people looking for food
good number. from composite pits. I have seen Even as he fed the needy,
adults crying for food like beggars Byaruhanga emphasized the need
He offered some basic needs packs in my country Uganda. What for hard work and savings for
to 55 needy children. The packs you call trash may be of great such tough times. He said that it
included clothes, food, sugar, soap, importance to your brother or is a good thing to believe in God’s
and cooking oil. Sadly, with every sister here.” provision, but humans must also
delivery that was made, the news ensure that they have played their
reached many needy people in the The plea was heard by many part too.34 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Chapter 5
Giving To And By People With
Disability35 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
PWDS Demand Inclusion
When news of security forces shooting a man with services.”
hearing impairment broke on the 7th- April-2020, Even as the world grapples with the virus, the
(https://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/ committee urged governments to guarantee
uganda-deaf-man), it was just the wakeup call voluntary access to psychiatric drugs for those who
the country needed. Since then, there has been want them. They also implored governments to
a reminder not to forget people with disabilities allow back into the community, those who want a
while battling the novel coronavirus. home-based treatment.
People with disabilities (PWDs) have been at the “Prepare and encourage communities to be
forefront of fighting not to be forgotten. Advocacy supportive of one another in an inclusive way,
has been their biggest tool in ensuring no one with including of persons with psychosocial disabilities,
a disability is left behind. during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is especially
important since mandatory quarantine, home
As a matter of fact, a Ugandan committee on the confinement, and information overload may result
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons in heightened states of distress,” they advised.
with Disabilities (CRPD) has called for the inclusion
of persons with disabilities in the strides to beat They urged governments to ensure practical
coronavirus. support for PWDs such as obtaining food and
supplies for people with psychosocial disabilities
Together with colleagues across the globe, the who may be unable to leave their homes due to
committee, largely made up of people with quarantine or experience difficulty with leaving
disabilities, asked the world to especially consider home during this period of heightened concerns
those battling psychosocial disability. about contamination.
“Ensure continued access to support for people As the different nations, including Uganda, put
experiencing distress or unusual states of in place 14 to 21-day quarantine measures, the
consciousness during the COVID-19 outbreak,” they committee implores them to be flexible.
urged UN member countries, Uganda included. “Consider flexible mechanisms to authorize people
“Step up efforts to develop a wide range of with psychosocial disabilities to be able to leave
community-based services that respond to the their homes during mandatory quarantines,
needs of persons with psychosocial disabilities. for short periods and in a safe way, when they
experience particular difficulty with home
Respect people’s autonomy, choices, dignity, confinement,” they held.
and privacy, including peer support and other
alternatives to conventional mental health36 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Accessible Information A Must
When it came to communication, regarding • Develop accessible written information
COVID-19 they listed the WHO guidelines products by using appropriate document formats,
to governments on health information and (such as “Word”), with structured headings, large
communication: print, braille versions, and formats for people
who are deafblind.
• Include captioning and, where possible,
sign language for all live and recorded events • Include captions for images used within
and communications. This includes national documents or on social media. Use images that
addresses, press briefings, and live social media. are inclusive and do not stigmatize disability.
• Convert public materials into an “easy read” • Work with disability organizations, including
format so that they are accessible for people with advocacy bodies and disability service providers
an intellectual disability or cognitive impairment. to disseminate public health information.37 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Group Delivers the Much-Needed Food to the Blind
When the country went into lockdown, PWDS Their cries were heard, first by the local
felt abandoned and made sure it was known. community, then by The Bible Society of Uganda.
In Mayuge District, the Twezimbe Lubu
group started a drive to ensure the visually “We have given back to over 100 blind people
impaired got help. First, it was the food from the in Mayuge District. We gave food, soap, and
government, and next was a general appeal to any other items to help them survive the COVID-19
philanthropists to come to their rescue. lockdown,”
“It was hard before COVID-19, it is now even The Bible Society of Uganda announced. “The
worse!” the group chanted on the streets. “If it is donation followed a public outcry that some
hard for you, imagine how terrible it is for us.” visually impaired persons under their umbrella
association of Twezimbe Lubu Group of the blind
The group committed themselves to deliver any were going with food.”
aid collected, to people with visual impairment.38 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Bwanika Called Out for Help
Edward Bwanika, a single father of three with a impairment had to go back to the drawing board
hearing impairment was stuck at home without to plan for relief food.
food. His children, two of whom also have a
hearing impairment had no way of accessing He told them that all the people with hearing
learning materials. This father, a street food impairment in his community lost their jobs.
vendor in Kamokya, a suburb in Kampala, tried Quickly, DLU came up with a COVID-19 response
several options to no end. project. They supplied food items and helped
with reading materials for the children.
Bwanika, an advocate for the rights of people with
hearing impairment, reached out to Deaf Link Upon the easing of the lockdown, they returned
Uganda (DLU) on behalf of people with hearing to make sure that Bwanika and the community
impairment in Kamokya. The organization which of people with hearing impairment were back to
initially helped with skilling people with hearing work and gave them start-up capital.39 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Coming Together for One of Their Own
When Jackson Okello’s wheelchair got damaged, Together with friends and family, they raised UGX
the people with disabilities came together and 70,000 (about $20) and fixed Okello’s wheelchair.
fixed it for him. The father of four, a shoe cobbler “We asked one of our sons to pass around an
in Agago District had failed to leave the house envelope and everyone contributed whatever
in search of an income because of this. When he little they had,” Komagum said.
attempted to, he returned with bruises on his
knees that required him to get a tetanus shot. For a group of people that mostly lives on less
“Normally he would have tried to raise the money than a dollar a day, this was great show of
to fix it himself, but he had not worked for months generosity. “We are happy that we could help each
because of the lockdown and did not have money,” other even at a time when coronavirus had made
Irene Laker, a volunteer VHT in Agago District it hard for us to meet and discuss our issues,” he
said. said.
She said that the other alternative would have Okello said that when the money was delivered, he
been to fundraise through the church but since broke down and cried. On top of the money, they
churches are closed, Okello had to reach out to the had each added some food from their stores, some
people who understand his predicament. “He is even sharing the maize flour that was given by the
always helping us, so we decided to help him this government.
time around,” Andrew Komagum said.
“I know my people don’t have much but seeing
He said that Okello is an advocate for hard work this gesture of solidarity made me very happy.
amongst people with disabilities and would not May God bless them abundantly,” he said. “We
have reached out if he wasn’t genuinely stuck. may not have much, but we have ourselves and
“He has taught many of us how to repair shoes these trying times have reminded me of that.”
and doesn’t in believe in people with disability
begging in markets,” Komagum said.40 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Partially Blind Atude Sings about Coronavirus
In Kelim Village, a few kilometers outside of Kumi “He sings about why the local drinking joints
Municipality, Patrick Atude belts out into song aren’t allowed anymore and warns people about
about the novel coronavirus. Atude, the original the dangers of continuing with the practice,” one
composer of the Emaali song that was later re- of the locals, Harriet Akol said.
done by Rachael Magoola is blind in one eye.
Going from home to home while playing his
When the coronavirus was first announced, he thumb piano, Atude, also a darling of the people
took time off to understand the message and now in Kelim Village, has mastered the art of merging
sings some un-recorded songs on the virus at the music and sensitization. He will be remembered
trading center. for simplifying the government’s guidelines in
song.41 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
Chapter 6
Giving To Conserve Nature42 Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
A beloved gorilla called Rafiki was killed during strides to re-populate the species.
the lockdown. Felix Byamukama was sentenced
to eleven years in jail for the murder. Appearing Angie Genade, the Executive Director for RFU said
before the Kabale Chief Magistrate’s Court, he that they needed help paying rangers to ensure
pleaded guilty to counts of illegal entry into a day to day safety of these animals. “This donation
protected area, killing a gorilla, a bush pig, a will help to bridge our funding gap caused by
duiker, and being in possession of bush pig and circumstances beyond our control. This way the
duiker meat. rhino conservation can be maintained for the
benefit of the local communities and the people of
This of course could not bring back Rafiki, the Uganda,” he said.
25-year-old Silverback, a darling of tourists, that
led the Nkuringo group of about 17 mountain David Duli, Country Director for WWF stated
gorillas. What this did however was remind the that COVID-19 is having an impact on wildlife.
world that as we withdrew back to our homes, our He explained that great apes, of which seven
friends in the wild had been left unguarded. species are already threatened by extinction,
are potentially vulnerable to this new virus.
According to New Vision journalist, Andrew He explained that the lockdown and the loss
Masinde, https://www.newvision.co.ug/ of tourism revenue also create challenges for
news/1521155/covid-19-wwf-donates-sh20m- protecting wildlife.
rhino-fund-uganda the COVID-19 pandemic has
had a significant impact on the tourism industry “Conservationists are now calling on the
due to the travel restrictions as well as a slump Government and private businesses to help
in demand among travelers. The United Nations expand existing protected areas and improving
World Tourism Organization estimated a global their management as well as establishing new
loss of up to $30-50 billion this year alone. protected areas,” he said.
In Ugandan, the $1.6billion revenue and over 2 Particularly, for the Rhinos, Duli emphasized the
million jobs both directly and indirectly, have need to improve security monitoring to protect
been affected. This however does not begin to rhinos from poaching and the need to improve
describe the dent this has caused on conservation local and international law enforcement to stop
efforts. While attention was drawn to Rafiki’s the flow of rhino horn and other illegal wildlife
gruesome murder by poachers looking for a meal, trade items from Africa to other regions of the
experts worry many more of the wildlife species world.
have been killed.
“Rhinos has been an integral part of the natural
With this in mind, a group of philanthropists world for tens of millions of years, and humankind
through the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is causing dramatic declines in just a few decades.
Uganda donated UGX 20million ($5400) to the We can change the outcome,” he urged.
Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU) to support the Rhino
sanctuary during this COVID-19 crisis. Both
black and white rhinoceros breeds are globally
endangered, and a single death would impair43 Proposal Generosity In The Time Of Covid-19 Vol.3
A donation in Memory of Rafiki the Gorilla
In memory of the fallen ape, Rafiki, a group called “We are delighted to contribute these items to
‘Friends of Rafiki’ donated food items to the staff the staff of Nkuringo who have always worked
in the Nkuringo area. They were delivered by tirelessly to protect and conserve wildlife
Lydia Nandudu, the Director of Nkuringo Bwindi especially the mountain gorillas. This support is
Gorilla Lodge and Nkuringo Walking Safaris and extended to them so that they keep up the great
received by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). work of protecting the park amidst the pandemic
of COVID-19,” she noted.
They were distributed among a total of 119 staff
(44 for Nkuringo and 75 for Rushaga). Each John Justice Tibesigwa, the Senior Warden
member of staff received 20kgs of posho, 10kgs Southern Sector Bwindi Impenetrable National
rice, 10kgs beans, 5bars of soap, 4litres of cooking Park, thanked the ‘Friends of Rafiki’ for
oil, and a pair of gumboots. supporting UWA staff in their effort to conserve
wildlife. He said that the items would go a long
While delivering the items to Nkuringo Southern way in enabling staff in the Nkuringo sector
Sector office, Nandutu observed that the to carry out their duties of protecting the Park
contribution was aimed at encouraging staff to and its invaluable resources, especially the
continue fulfilling their mandate despite the drop endangered mountain gorillas, during these
in revenue as a result of coronavirus pandemic. unprecedented times of the global pandemic of
COVID-19.You can also read
