School's Out: Uganda battles Coronavirus
March 2020
The coronavirus pandemic remains a serious and imminent threat in the UK. In East Africa, COVID-19 cases have also been confirmed and the number of cases, unfortunately, is rising.
In order to limit the spread of the virus, the Ugandan authorities have introduced a number of measures, including the nationwide closure of all schools. The children from our two schools have gone home for a month except those who have nowhere to go. We hope they will return to school soon, but only when it is safe for them to do so.
The use of all public transport has been banned, but this means people cannot get to work to earn a living. We have heard from Gonzaga, our Finance & Administration Manager in Uganda, who tells us that the ban also includes the boda-boda, their motorcycle taxis, as well as ordinary taxis, so the people are to stay at home.
It is difficult to go out to buy food, but Gonzaga says they have stocked up on posho, matoke, beans and rice at the compound. They will have milk from the cow and eggs from the chickens, and also the local Christian community brings things for them. It’s such a loving community and they really do watch out for one another.
Father Boniface tells us that the coronavirus is already in Uganda and close to our EVC schools. The people there really can’t conceive what this pandemic will do to the area, underdeveloped as it is. However, they will not give up as they're certain that God never fails.
He sends out a message to all child sponsors and donors:
"During this critical global threat of COVID-19, we still acknowledge all the great work you have done for us, and simultaneously pray for you in this testing moment the world is going through. We urgently pray that all of you, and us, be spared by the Almighty God for a further great mission ahead of us." - Father Boniface
Due to the current UK government instructions regarding the need for ‘self-isolation’, we will be unable to produce and distribute our April EVC Uganda Newsletter. However, we will seek to keep you fully informed and updated on all EVC news through our website.