Shs100,000 is little for a family in 42 days – Besigye

By Charles Katabalwa

30^th June 2021

The Former presidential for the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Dr. Kiiza Besigye has challenged government for its planned shs100,000 Covid-19 relief cash allocation to each of the 500,000 most vulnerable families in Ugandans.

The Minister for Gender, Betty Amongi while addressing the press on Tuesday said cabinet had approved the shs100, 000 to help households to purchase of 20kgs of posho at shs40, 000, 10kg of beans for shs25000, a bar of soap at shs3000, a three-liter -jerrican of cooking oil for shs12000 and the remaining shs20, 000 to be used for other items at home for the 42 days of the lockdown.

However, addressing journalists this Wednesday at Katonga offices Dr. Besigye has said the shs100,000 is too little to cater for a family for a period of 42 days not even cater for the mentioned items.

He said under this situation a healthy diet is needed not only for adults but also for the children who are ever forgotten in the NRM planning.

Dr. Besigye reminded Ugandans of the home remedy treatment that can help stop the transmission of Covid-19 or if one has contracted it he or she remains firm and fight on as the body builds immunity against the virus. He also rallied Ugandans to feel sorry and assist one another.

On the issue of treatment Dr Besigye said Uganda lost it all because of both government and citizenry laxity during the first wave of Covid-19 what has to be done is to help people know how to prevent and how to survive if one tests positive of Covid-19.

Uganda’s records indicate that as of June 28, 2021, the country registered 543 new cases raising the cumulative figure to 79,977 cases, 52,961 recoveries, with 1,023 deaths while those admitted at different health facilities stand at 1,116

Meanwhile the Lord Mayor Salongo Erias Lukwago described the move as a gamble saying talking of the vulnerable people to be only in 11 town areas is not correct, the problem is countrywide and government should increase the money to a reasonable sum to help a family to survive. He suggested that government can reallocate monies from sectors which are not so essential,” to help at this critical moment.