Most nations around the world are dealing with the COVID crisis. Most have ordered varying degrees of restrictions, to try and contain the spread of the virus. These restrictions range from closing of boarders to lock downs and everything in between. Through this seeming chaos, one thing has caught my attention, here in Uganda – and that is the various ways in which giving is happening.
When our government announced a ban on public transport, I saw a tweet in which a young man offered to transport health workers that wouldn’t be able to get to their stations, and others were responding saying they too would offer to drive stranded health workers.
A church in town bought dry rations and has been identifying families in need to give some food aid to. A friend of mine lives near a slum. She had a conversation with the sex workers there and she ended up buying them hand sanitizers and face masks. Another lady I know offered to stay with the young children of a health worker, who is afraid that she may unknowingly expose her children to the virus. The friend houses and feeds the children, so that the health worker can keep attending to patients. A young gentleman put out a call on twitter and asked people to contribute about $10 each to help buy food for those in his community that may be going hungry, and people are responding.
I am sure there are many more stories like these happening across Uganda – where communities are stepping in to help each other through this crisis and we want to share and amplify these stories. When communities give to meet their needs, they are building resilience.
While we appreciate, recognize and applaud those with big money that have stepped in to provide support in big and meaningful ways, we must not forget that when this is all over, most likely, communities will still be left to fend for themselves. That’s why we must also highlight and shine a light on where and how communities are giving.
We celebrate this #OmutimaOmugabi
Jackie Asiimwe,
CEO, Civsource Africa