By Andrew Irumba
The government of Uganda has so far received over Shs8.8 Trillion as grants, loans and donations from the International and local communities in the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic since January 2020.
According to data accessed seen by this website, Uganda has received financial donations and loans to support the fight against COVID-19 from several international and local donors amounting to Shs8, 847,500,000 and all this money is under the charge of the Minister for General duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mary Karooro Okurut, who was appointed by president Yoweri Museveni to oversee all COVID-19 fundraising.
Some of the key donors and lenders that have responded to President Yoweri Museveni’s call for donations include the International Monetary Fund (IMF), UNICEF, USAID, US Mission, Danish Embassy, EU, Irish Embassy and UN Agencies.
Below is a breakdown of the financial donations, grants and loans from the International organisations;
Apart from the international donors however, there are several local investors and common Ugandans who have contributed financial assistance or offered donations in form of food and other social amenities to help the National Taskforce in the fight against the pandemic.
For instance, tycoon Dr.Sudhir Ruparelia, of the Ruparelia Group Companies, early this year donated two Tata Xenon pickups to help the COVID-19 National Task in the fight against COVID-19.
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
This is a new virus that causes a respiratory illness in people and animals and can spread from person to person through sneezing and coughing droplets. This virus has signs and symptoms similar to the common cold but is dangerous and if not reported early and managed by Health Workers it can cause severe illnesses in humans and can lead to death.
Where did Coronavirus (COVID-19) come from?
There are ongoing studies on the origins of Coronavirus. However, the current outbreak started in a large animal and seafood market in China, in a city called Wuhan.
How does Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread?
Coronavirus is spread from human-to-human when an infected person’s sneeze or cough droplets come into contact with others. It can also spread when a person touches a contaminated surface, e.g. desk, chair, door handle etc. then touches their eyes, nose and/or mouth.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk. However, severe symptoms and death appear more frequently among older people. People with underlying health conditions such as lung or heart diseases, renal failure or weak immune systems are noted to be at a higher risk of infection.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Most patients who have been seen so far present with fever, cough, sore throat, running nose and difficulty in breathing.
How can Coronavirus (COVID-19) Be Prevented?
There are simple everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of the virus:
Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sneezing).
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Stay home when you experience these symptoms to avoid spreading illness to others.
The sick are encouraged to use a facemask to cover their nose and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the dustbin and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water.
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as door handles and phones.
