I know many of you reading this have already been experiencing some form of a lockdown or stay-at-home order.
Over the last few weeks, the President has given orders to get Uganda to this point.
On March 18th, he announced that starting on Friday (March 20th), all schools would be closed for 32 days. Not only would schools be closed, but also churches and large public gatherings.
a few of the kids doing the work I make for them
We woke up Sunday (the 22nd) to the first confirmed coronavirus case in Uganda. In the past couple of weeks, the number has steadily risen. As of this morning, there are 44 confirmed cases in this country.
All borders to the country have been closed since the 22nd/23rd. They have also stopped international passenger flights.
Last week, all public transportation was stopped and shops that do not sell food or pharmaceuticals are not to open (like hardware stores, electrical shops, and clothes sellers).
This was already a huge hit to a lot of people in Uganda, not to mention the prices on most items being raised (although the president said that can’t happen).
trying not to waste any of our charcoal
Earlier this week, on Monday night, President Museveni announced the country would be starting a 14 day lockdown. He gave a lot of information, but people were left confused and not sure exactly what was going to happen.
Starting yesterday (April 1st), there are to be no private vehicles driving on the road, people are supposed to get permission before going to a health center, there is a curfew of 7pm, and basically, people should stay at home and not go out unless they have to.
a chart of the president’s directives
All this sounds well and good, not easy, but doable, until you realize that a great majority of this country live [as they say here] hand to mouth. Meaning, a lot of people live day to day, working for their next meal. This is a not a place where people have savings accounts and credit cards.
There are a great number of people out of work right now and they are not sure how to feed their family for the next two weeks or more.
This blog can’t end without a giant THANK YOU, to all of you who have helped us get food and necessary supplies to help us make it through the price-hikes and the lockdown.
after Sam got back on Tuesday – dry goods and produce
Sometimes I laugh when I look at how much toilet paper we have, knowing that we will totally go through it within a few months. No, we’re not hoarding it, but how much toilet paper would you need in your house if there were 16+ people using it on a daily basis?!?
toilet paper and soap
Hope you’ve been able to make some good memories these past few weeks, despite the lockdowns and strange lifestyle.
much love!
BEing. 