A total of 28,384 household with 91,940 occupants in Kampala have so far benefited from the relief food distributed by government during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The data was released this morning by Hon. Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and refugees in Kampala on Wednesday.
According to Hon. Ecweru, they have so far distributed in the areas of Bwaise 1, Bwaise 2, Bwaise 3, Kawempe 1, Mengo-Kisenyi, Mbuya 1, Katwe 1, Nakulabye and Kisenyi 1 Central.
The minister said they are experiencing a delay in distribution emanating from the door to door approach being used. He notes that in some countries, they have used central places for distribution of relief, they have failed to respect social distance and they have registered more losses.
“Government is keen to the quality of food we are giving our people. It is tested and verified to be fit for human consumption” Minister Ecweru revealed.
He added that they have been operating without resources, but that with approval of the supplementary budget, they have procured enough supplies and doubled the distribution team.
“We shall therefore be able to complete Kampala in the shortest period possible. After Kampala, we shall move to Wakiso and Mukono” he noted.
Adding that in Mukono and Wakiso, they have so far distributed food to orphanages and homes for children with special needs. Over 60 of such places have been reached and they intend to cover all government hospitals.
President decided to provide food relief to vulnerable Ugandans who depend on daily earnings during the lock down. These include Boda Boda riders, Taxi drivers, salon workers and bar workers among other groups.
Each person received 6 kilograms of maize flour, 3 kilograms of beans, while pregnant mothers receive an addition of a kilo of sugar and 900gms of milk.
Many Ugandans in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono say they all need such help as companies have closed and they may not be receiving salaries for March, April and possibly May.
Uganda so far has 55 confirmed COVID-19 cases after a 38 year old truck driver tested positive at Malaba on Tuesday. He is being tracked down, together with his Kenyan colleague who will be sent back home after being found.
