Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Ugandan Minister of Health, has appointed a number of prominent business leaders to spearhead a private sector response against the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Details of their terms of reference are not yet clear, but the leaders who have been chosen to reflect the respective industries where they work, we understand are supposed to among others help coordinate resource mobilisation and awareness and sharing of information amongst other roles.
The leaders are Barbara Mulwana (Chairman, UMA), Aga Sekalala (Ugachic), Robert Kabushenga (Vision Group) and Daniel Kalinaki (Nation Media Group). The others are Ramathan Ggoobi (Makerere University Business School), Maxime Dieudonne (SafeBoda) and Ron Kawamara (Jumia Uganda) and Judy Rugasira Kyanda (Knight Frank Uganda).
Tweeting this morning, Dr. Aceng said: “COVID19 is a battle, which we can only win if we join hands together as Ugandans. We should all be responsible and helpful to one another and collectively guard our country jealously. This is already happening. The private sector has been quietly supporting the fight enormously,” she said.
”Robert Kabushenga and Barbara Mulwana will represent the private sector on the strategic resource mobilization committee or any other delegated by them. God bless you all, as we join hands together in this battle,” she added.
Uganda has so far confirmed one case of COVID-19. The confirmed case is a 36-year-old Ugandan male who arrived from Dubai on Saturday 21st March 2020 aboard Ethiopian Airlines at 2:00am. The Ministry of Health is tracking down all passengers on that flight for checks and quarantines.
The government has also ordered shut all schools, banned public political, social and religious gatherings as well as banned travel in and out of Uganda by any means. President Museveni has also announced that the government is deploying the army at all designated and non-designated border crossings to enforce the measures.
Bob Okodi, Amref Health Africa Uganda CFO, On Purpose-Driven Finance and Measuring Impact in Lives, Not MarginsAn honour to serve
Responding to the appointment on Twitter as well, Robert Kabushenga who is well known for putting his social media platforms to charity and social causes, accepted the appointment.
“We will work for this country. Thank you Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng for the honour to serve the people in such a difficult time,” said Mr. Kabushenga.
Kabushenga is also separately leading a group of other 20 business leaders who have set up an online group to coordinate employee safety and business continuity. According to Kabushenga twitter timeline, the group is amongst many other issues looking into how to cut the need for staff to come to office, thus reducing the risk of infection associated with public transport; and ensuring regular workplace disinfection.
Kabushenga also appealed for compassion, especially for those who are out of jobs or have no incomes as work slows down.
“As you prepare to go to bed & start a new week, my last post this evening is to appeal to your COMPASSION. Think about those who are now out of work, with no income, mouths to feed medical bills and rent to pay! How can we come together to ease their misfortune? What can be done?” he appealed.
