20th June, 2021
Dear friends,
There have been more cases of COVID diagnosed, especially in Kampala.
I heard from Shadrach that Uganda went into full lockdown again on Friday evening. This means that he cannot drive the car or minibus and had to go to work on Saturday by borrowing a friend’s bicycle. Shopping from now on has to be bought in the local market at Ggaba and sent back to George’s Place by boda boda – passengers are not allowed on the bodas. There will be a curfew from 7pm to 5.30am. The cooks, Peace and Petra are unable to travel to work because of the distance and taxis have all been stopped (the local means of transport). The boys are therefore cooking for themselves. Joshua was busy peeling matoke when I phoned, he is always such a good boy. Kasita was stirring something in a pot on the charcoal stove and Yusuf was washing up!
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:20-21
Shadrach had been unwell all week but seems to be much better now. I spoke with him, some of the boys and also Sam, they said they know what to expect as this is the second full lockdown. They all have to stay on site and are not allowed out. I was asked about teacher Francis returning but unfortunately he will not be allowed until he has received both vaccinations and that might be a while as I don’t believe there is generally much vaccine available. Sam was being vigilant about cleanliness and staying safe as even going to the local clinic could be a risk, the virus seems much more virulent this time.
Paul Reddaway our Independent Examiner, who supports our work, is running in the London Marathon for a charity in Uganda called ‘Operation Agri’ training farmers in sustainable agriculture. Paul has heard that their CEO in Uganda, Paul Kyalimpa is in hospital, very sick, with the virus. Please be praying for him, they have been doing good work throughout the country for many years. His son, Moses, who was vulnerable due to disability had recently died of Covid infection.
We had a trustees meeting on Monday evening where we agreed and signed the Accounts for 2020 – these should be with the Charity Commissioners shortly. Our grateful thanks to Geoff Hill for all his work in keeping our records in good order – not always easy when we are dealing with millions of shillings each week and with the exchange rate fluctuating monthly!
Please do be praying for Uganda – as people are anxious to find money to survive. The hospitals/clinics are full already and everything is shutting down. Stall holders in the markets are being told to ‘camp’ there and not travel to their homes at the end of the day!
All the boys were in good spirits when I spoke with them, they are keeping well and healthy. It is so sad that their schooling and vocational training is back on hold but we hope and pray that the situation will be kept under control and that vaccinations will soon be available especially for the vulnerable and those with health issues.
Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Love Jane
