Uganda’s President Yoweri K. Museveni on 15 April, 2020 extended the country’s nationwide lockdown for another 21 days in a bid to contain the continued spread of the coronavirus.
Speaking in a televised address after the initial 14-day lockdown, Museveni said it was vital that the virus is prevented from impacting parts of the country that remain unaffected.
The directive has since prompted Church leaders and Christian Charity organisations to commence relief food distribution programs to vulnerable individuals who have been hit by the lockdown.
In a country where 78 percent of the population is below the age of 30, the closing down of business, Church leaders say, means no salary and often, no food, especially to people who live from hand-to-mouth.
At Entebbe Miracle Center Church, Pastor Aaron Mutebi on Sunday thanked various individuals who he said worked hand-in-hand with the Ministry to feed needy people in the community.
Worship Sanctuary Ministries International team leader, Apostle George W. Katuntu reached out to the needy in Entebbe as well. The initiative included praying for the sick and also sharing the gospel.
“Sunday was well spent in the field outreach, preaching good news to the poor, teaching the treasures of God’s word to the meek, winning souls, healing the sick, casting out devils and feeding the hungry, doing all in the name of Jesus Christ,” Apostle George W. Katuntu remarked.
Christian Charity Compassion International donated sh1.2b to the coronavirus task force initiated by President Yoweri Museveni to solicit funds towards the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
The donation was delivered by the organization’s senior manager, Godfrey Wayengera. “We are ready to donate another sh4.4b in case the pandemic persists than anticipated,” Wayengera said.
King Jesus Church located in Lukwanga, Wakiso District delivered relief food to the needy through a charity program spearheaded by its lead Pastor Muwangzi Sam.
Founder and Apostle at Christ Fire Church International, Mark Ronnie Ojja pronounced 31 days of fasting and prayer against the Pandemic starting 1st May, 2020. “These are times and seasons we need to go deep in the spiritual realms,” he said.
His Ministry launched a new project called ‘Feed Some One Today’ to help reach the less fortunate in Arua district during the lockdown. These included a young man called Nsubuga Derrick who left Masaka district some 5 years ago and settled in Arua for survival.
“He used to hawker a few items in Arua town like cosmetics which helped him earn a living. But due to the current situation he can’t manage to pay his rent and food,” Apostle Mark Ronnie Ojja said.
The Church offered Nsubuga various relief items so that he can feed his himself and his pregnant wife .
“He was so thankful to God for the provision,” Pastor James Hope Rwabuhihi said.
Mr Muneza John, the founding Executive Director of Restore Hope Uganda Ministries (REHUM) together with his team reached out to the elderly affected by the lockdown.
“Indeed, tough times have dawned on us all, putting a stretch on finances. It takes sacrifice to extend physical helping hands again to feed these disadvantaged families,” Mr Muneza said in a statement.
“We have through generous giving been able to save those families that have no way out from starvation,” he added.
All across the country, places of worship, regular shops, schools and universities, commercial establishments and offices that do not offer essential services were ordered to close and public/private car owners suspended.
With all the uncertainty and isolation brought about by the pandemic, Senior pastor at Christ World Church, Apostle Brian T Nichanor urges that “the phrase “fear not” is not written to you in times of peace and tranquility only but also rather in times of turmoil.”
“At this time, strengthen your self in God, fan your flame hotter in God. Do not let the news kick all the faith from you. Take the precautions the government has told you to take but do not put your faith in those. Be strong in God and His word because the Bible says that our help comes from God, he said.
The preacher was able to mobilize relief supplies to support needy families during lockdown.
Elsewhere, Wilson Bugembe and a team from the Worship House – Nansana where he is lead Pastor, on Monday donated relief food and money to Wakiso District Covid-19 task force.
Uganda’s virus cases rose to 79 on 26 April, 2020 after four truck drivers from Tanzania tested positive.
“All the new confirmed cases are Tanzanian truck drivers who arrived via Mutukula border. 411 samples from communities tested negative for COVID-19,” the Ministry tweeted on Monday. A total of 1,989 COVID-19 samples were tested tested on Sunday.
