MASAKA —Vice President Edward Ssekandi has lauded the progress achieved by the taskforce in Masaka in the fight against coronavirus.
The Vice President was officiating at the handover of relief items donated by Diaspora group led by the NRM Diaspora League Chairman, Hajji Abbey Walusimbi and the East African Partners (EAP).
“To all the leaders in Masaka and those leading the taskforce for the efforts that you have put in to fight against COVID-19 and we hope that in the little while we shall defeat the pandemic because you have expressed seriousness,” the Vice President said.
VP Ssekandi who is opportunistic that “we shall overcome” commended President Museveni for steering well the fight against the virus, noting that, “let us pray that God units us to fight this battle as a united force so that we can defeat the enemy.”
“I thank the people of Masaka for having handled the pandemic with the calmness it deserves and because of that, you will gain victory over it,” he said.
The Vice President and the MP for Bukoto County said part of the relief items came from the Office of the Prime Minister following a request he made after thousands of people were affected by the rising waters of Lake Victoria.
Speaking during the handover, the EAP Managing Director, Isaac Kigozi noted that several clients most of whom have visited the country and will soon be setting up investments have been so instrumental in contributing relief for the people of Uganda who are mostly hard hit by the lockdown, one of the measure instituted to fight the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“As we mobilize for investment in the country, we also target uplifting the welfare of Ugandans through offering relief and donations in such hard times. We appreciate Black Prairie an American Company based in Houston Texas, Shania Kigozi of One UMMAH Uganda and Greg Dennerlein the Director of Venture DNA an American company who among others contributed to the relief in Masaka,” Kigozi said.
Kigozi added that Greg was so much touched when he learnt of the increasing water levels that have displaced many people in Masaka an area represented by the Vice President who has since the visit to Uganda became his friend.
Kigozi said Greg felt it proper to come in and offer the relief needed.
While handing over the food items, Hajji Walusimbi who is the newly appointed Senior Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs said that it is always a pleasure to be giving back to those who are in need at such a point.
Hajji Walusimbi who appreciated President Museveni upon his new appointment noted that it is one of his responsibilities to lobby and mobilize resources for the people in the country from members of the diaspora as well as friends from different countries.
“With the help of East African Partners (EAP) a company that markets East Africa as an investment destination, we have been able mobilize for the people of Masaka a total of 7 tonnes of Posho, 700 litres of Cooking oil, 500kgs of Wheat floor, 600 battles of mineral water, 300 bars of Soap and 100kg of Salt,” Walusimbi said.
The Vice President later handed over the relief items to Masaka District taskforce headed by the Resident District Commissioner, Haman Ssentongo.
Ssentongo appreciated the efforts by the Vice President for lobbying and mobilizing resources to ensure that the people of Masaka are helped in these hard times when they are hit by both the virus and the high water levels of Lake Victoria that have displaced many people.
