We hope this email finds you and your loved ones in good health. I write this with a heavy heart as our global community faces the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The realities of this worldwide health crisis have forced all of us to change the way we live and work, and our hearts are with those who have been adversely impacted.
During times like these, we find it important to first listen and then respond. After guidance and direction from the Ugandan Government and Action in Africa’s Leadership Team in Uganda, we feel now is the time to check in with you - our community - in response to COVID-19, and to let you know how we're handling these challenging times in Uganda, and the U.S.
The upheaval created by this virus has reached Uganda, where there are currently 52 confirmed cases of COVID-19. For the last couple of weeks, the Ugandan government has responded quickly with drastic preventative measures such as shutting down all schools, closing the borders, halting all public transportation, implementing a curfew and more. To follow what is happening in Uganda, please visit the Ministry of Health website.
As such, Action in Africa’s beloved community center is closed until further notice for the health and safety of our staff and community and in accordance with President Museveni’s guidelines. However, our commitment to the community of Nakuwadde, and our team in Uganda, remains unchanged. We are keeping in close communication with our Uganda-based team to ensure that everyone is safe and healthy. We will continue to pay all staff throughout this time and are making extra resources available to ensure their basic needs are met such as salary advances, weekly airtime and providing each household with soap. Using a phone tree system, our team is then keeping in close communication with the AIA community members (scholarship and special needs students, Muganda moms, Women to Women participants, etc.) to assess each of their individual needs and how Action in Africa can continue to support them during this time.
In the U.S., we are working remotely and approaching this challenging time with positivity and productivity. Last week we submitted a grant application to the U.S Embassy in Uganda for our Primary Partnership Program, we are restructuring our Muganda Bracelet Program in partnership with MBA students from Denver University, and in the coming weeks we will be launching a new website. We remain hopeful and committed to the long-term impact of Action in Africa’s work in Nakuwadde.
As we navigate the unknown, we're here to answer questions and provide support as best we can. We will continue to update you about our team in Uganda, how we are supporting Nakuwadde, and ways you can be involved. If you are in Uganda and need assistance, or are stateside and would like to help, we are here and happy to connect.
Thank you for being part of the Action in Africa family! Your warmth and generosity are reaching around the world to East Africa, and providing hope amidst the uncertainty. We are all in this together.
Wishing you and yours safety and good health - now and always.
