MUKONO — The Coca-Cola Foundation through the Uganda Red Cross Society has on Saturday May 2 delivered 30 tonnes of maize flour, 15 tonnes of beans, Milk and Sugar to the Mukono district COVID-19 Taskforce.
The donation will feed vulnerable families affected by the lockdown due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
The food consignment is part of a UGX. 390million contribution Coca-Cola Foundation made to the Uganda Red Cross Society as support for countrywide activities against COVID-19
Arthur Akankwasa, Coca-Cola Franchise Manager in Uganda said the commitment of Coca-Cola towards the COVID-19 fight has been extended to support livelihoods and health aspects to ensure the well-being and health of the people of Uganda.
“Today, we have delivered food in Mukono District. However, there is more; all around the world we have stepped in as the Coca-Cola system to provide support as this global pandemic has affected all communities,” he said.
“In Uganda, we have intervened in various ways, including provision of Food relief, supporting medical teams, Hygiene promotion through provision of hand washing facilities and Public awareness,” Akankwasa said.
The company also contributed UGX87.5million to the Ministry of Health through the National Task force to provide medical equipment and support medical teams, and over UGX460million in public awareness and advertising COVID-19 prevention measures.
“We are happy to be working with the Uganda Red Cross Society because they are trustworthy and effective partners. We worked with them most recently during the Bududa and Bundibugyo landslides and changed the lives of many families for the better” Akankwasa added.
While receiving the food on behalf of Mukono District Taskforce, Dr. Fred Yiga, the chairperson of the Relief Sub-Committee – Mukono district appreciated the Coca-Cola fraternity for supporting the efforts of the government and more so considering to support Mukono as one of the districts that are part of the greater Kampala Metropolitan area.
“We would like to thank Coca-Cola for coming in timely through our trusted friends the Uganda Red Cross. With this donation, we will target the most vulnerable and the Red Cross will enable us reach every one through the local Red Cross branch here in Mukono, and the local council leadership. Thank you Coca-Cola,” Mr. Yiga said.
The Uganda Red Cross Spokesperson Irene Nakasiita who also represented the Secretary General appreciated the work of the bottling company, more so whenever there are emergencies in Uganda.
“We have worked with Coca-Cola to respond to emergencies in Bududa and Bundibugyo when floods swept communities and claimed lives late last year. Coca-Cola came in very fast and provided lifesaving interventions. When we see them again during this #covid-19 Pandemic, we confirm the humanitarian spirit that drives their work and love for communities they serve.”
“The food has been delivered and the rest of the funds will be directed towards disease prevention and control activities which too are a great lifesaving component and a tool to fight the Corona Virus disease in our Country,” Nakasiita added.
