COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in Uganda

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in Uganda

Last Updated: 07/09/2020

While cases to continue to rise in Uganda, the spread is slow, and local health officials say they are prepared to treat all people suffering from COVID-19. Public transportation is operating at half capacity, and mass gatherings have been halted. Churches, schools and nonessential businesses are closed, and a curfew remains in place from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Face coverings are required in public. Farmers in Uganda have been hard-hit, and food prices have increased. Recently, the Ugandan government temporarily opened its borders to thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Refugees will be quarantined for two weeks and tested for COVID-19.

Compassion child development centers have discontinued group activities. Partner church staff members are visiting homes of beneficiaries only when absolutely necessary, including assisting with medical needs and child protection. They are sending monetary support to beneficiary families as electronic transfers to mobile phones or in the form of cash to those who must walk to the center while observing safety measures. Additionally, they have been able to distribute 37,085 food packs and 8,576 hygiene kits to Compassion-assisted families and they have provided medical support to 3,249 individuals.

A Message From Compassion Uganda’s National Director

Hear from Lenny Mugisha, National Director of Compassion Uganda, as he shares an update on how COVID-19 is affecting Compassion’s ministry in Uganda.

Recorded: 05/31/2020

How is Compassion Currently Operating in Uganda?

Below, you will find the latest information on how Compassion is currently operating in Uganda, including status updates on center openings, letter delivery and gift delivery. This is the most current information we have, though it can change quickly. Please know that even if centers are closed and letters and gifts are not being delivered, your child and his or her family are being checked in on regularly by staff. We all look forward to the day we will all be able to gather together again!

Are Compassion Centers Open?

At this point, all centers in Uganda are closed in order to abide by local guidelines. Staff members are still calling and checking in on families, and in some communities they are able to visit children while obeying social distancing guidelines. Because of the generous support of sponsors and donors, they have been able to distribute 37,085 food packs and 8,576 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in Uganda, although they are currently delayed. In some communities, staff members have needed to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognizing that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

Story From the Field

During the COVID-19 quarantine, many HIV-positive youths have lost access to the health centers where they get their antiretroviral medication refills, because public transportation is banned.

Benjamin, a Compassion student who was born with HIV, has taken it upon himself to deliver the lifesaving medication to the youths in their homes. It is a noble service during a season when HIV-positive patients are more vulnerable than ever.

“If we don’t provide the [medications], I think some people will die and others would be more worried,” says Benjamin. “It would even reduce their immunity since they would not be getting refills."

Benjamin’s volunteer work has sparked in him a dream to continue his advocacy and prevention work in the future. "I would like to become an HIV advocate, a counselor in HIV and sexual health," he says, "and to also work in a health facility as an HIV doctor."

How can I pray for Uganda?

This month, please join us in praying for small businesses, especially those related to tourism, in Uganda, as they will likely lose an entire year’s wages because of COVID-19. You can also visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for weekly global prayer guides.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in Uganda

Give to Compassion’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

Learn More >