In Uganda, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on March 22, 2020 and according to the Ministry of Health, as of April 24, 2020, the country had registered 74 coronavirus cases. We are grateful that 46 people have recovered and to date, we have no recorded deaths. As part of the measures to control and contain the spread of this deadly virus, the president of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, addresses the country on a daily basis and urges people to take safety precautions. One of the first countries on the continent to take action, even before the first case, the president ordered the closure of all schools including Primary, Secondary and tertiary institutions. The country is now on a total lockdown until May 5. The lockdown involves banning the movement of private vehicles, closure of all non-food stores, shops and malls, with only essential service providers allowed to stay in operation. These include the medics, telecommunication companies, banks, private security companies, electricity and water departments. This forced many organizations to suspend office operations and field activities, including the SMART Africa and ICHAD work. All social gatherings with more than 10 people have been banned, (which includes but not limited to communal weddings, church prayers, political rallies and burials). The borders entering the country are closed to passengers leaving and traveling back into the country except cargo vehicles and airplanes. Public transportation within the country is prohibited and no one is allowed to move beyond 7PM. Some employees are working from home but this is challenging due to the nature of employment and lack of internet in most households. During the lockdown, the government with help from other organizations, companies, and individuals, is continuing to raise food and other basic needs to give to the most vulnerable populations. Among the supplies include maize flour, rice, beans, masks and others. The ICHAD and SMART Africa teams are safe and healthy and much of our team is able to have regular check-ins with each other – some even have helping hands. (See below!)
