It’s now almost 3 months and Uganda is still under lock-down. The number of Covid19 cases in Uganda has increased to now 646 cases, 0 deaths and among these 103 have recovered from the deadly virus. The president has issued out various directives that are geared towards overcoming the Covid19 in the country. The increase in the covid19 cases has led to various extensions of the lock-down

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The government has come up with various Measures and directives in a bid to convert this deadly virus;

Washing hands using sanitizers or soap and water.

The government has invested in sensitization of people all over social media about the dangers of Covid19 and is continuously advising people to use sanitizers. For those that cannot afford it, are advised to wash their hands properly using soap and water.

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Use of Face masks in public places.

The people are advised to use face masks while going to public places like supermarkets. Since some people cannot afford to buy face masks, the government is planning to give out free face masks to all its citizens. Wearing face masks is going to be mandatory and if anyone found not wearing one will be arrested and charged for defying the President’s directives.

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Mandatory Curfew

People were ordered not to move anywhere beyond 7 pm. In other words, they are to stay home and not loiter around in the night. The policemen were deployed and keep moving on the roads at night arresting anyone found when he is still moving or doing any other business beyond 7 pm. I have seen many people being arrested for defying the curfew directive of the president.

Suspension of both private and public transport.

Public and private transport were suspended including planes, buses, taxis, trains, Moto bikes ( locally known as boda bodas), and private cars. These have been under suspension for almost 3 months. This month the president released the private means to operate again.

The public means such as buses and taxis were also released last week but on condition that they operate at half capacity meaning that they are allowed to carry half the total number of passengers they are meant to carry.
The public transport charges have been doubled due to their operation at half capacity.

Suspension of public gatherings

The government issued out a directive restricting any public gatherings including churches, schools, and other public functions. For the sake of social distancing, People are restricted from organizing and also attending any public meetings. The crucial gatherings such as weddings and funeral services are exempted provided the gathering is not of more than 10 people.

Some Negative Impacts

Hunger

Some people are going hungry, due to a lack of money to purchase foodstuffs. Since they are commanded to stay home and stopped working, they lack money to sustain their families in this long time tragedy. The government is supplying some food to poor citizens that cannot afford to buy food for themselves. However, the process of delivering food is very slow and many people have not yet received any promised food by the government.

Joblessness

People are jobless at home. The situation stopped people from attending to their work. Since the lock-down has been loosened a bit. Some people have returned back to their jobs. Though at a very high cost of living, being that the public transport fees are very high.

Rise of violence in families.

Family issues are on the rise, these include fights between husbands and wives due to the increased idleness at home. It’s so unfortunate that some have ended up killing each another due to disagreements in their families.