Distributing Food and Other Essentials in Uganda

Written By Phoebe Lubango, Director of Education Services, REACH Uganda

I am glad to share with you this information and the excitement from the children and vulnerable community members from Matuwa and Bududa when news broke that REACH was going to distribute some food and other necessities. We could not hold our tears seeing many people running to REACH for food. This was another experience that made all of us nervous because we did not have enough to provide the overwhelming population. We are grateful to ELMA Philanthropies that has provided an initial grant towards relief for COVID-19 activities.

After obtaining the necessary permission from Resident District Commissioner and other government entities, we distributed food and non-items to 200 people. The selection of beneficiaries was based on the vulnerability of students and community members who were identified by section heads. We identified 150 students who were in dire need, and 50 vulnerable families from the community. Most of the community members were patients on long term treatment for HIV/AIDS, hypertension, diabetes and other similar conditions. We also included a few community members who are elderly, single parents and children living alone without parents. 

This was a very successful program, and we have assured our people that we shall try and get more food so we can reach other needy families.