KAMPALA– Government of Uganda has started sending money to the vulnerable groups who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown today Thursday 8th July 2021.
According to the Covid-19 Relief funds, each person is slated to receive Shs 100,000 on the mobile money account or through Post Bank for those with no phones.
Godfrey Oloya, a boda-boda rider in Gulu became the first recipient of the COVID-19 relief package. Ms. Nabbanja called him after sending the money to acknowledge receipt.
The groups targeted include taxi drivers, boda boda riders, single mothers, youth in slum areas, salon operators, people who load and offload cargo, Teachers in private schools, Bar maids and other people who were dealing in petty businesses before President Museveni announced the second lockdown.
According to the Minister of Gender, the money is being sent to the beneficiaries via mobile money and the withdraw charges will be met by the government.
The government through the office of the Prime Minister promised to set aside a total of Shs 54.7Blillion going out to over 500,000 households from all cities and municipalities around the country.
During today’s launch, Prime Minister Nabbanja confirmed that up to 210,000 beneficiaries received their money, which is only about half of the total number planned for.
Speaking at the handover, Nabbanja thanked President Museveni for ordering the cash handout to the vulnerable groups.
“It was him who directed that we identify the vulnerable people who survive from hand to mouth,” she said.
Nabbanja also appealed to beneficiaries to use the money for its intended purpose.
“We are trying to save lives; let us use it to buy food for our families; we know that Covid is still around,” she added.
