I would like to thank everyone who has responded to our recent appeal as we seek to support our friends and partners here in Uganda during the 3rd wave of Covid-19. We are so thankful for your partnership with us in these challenging times.  

This third wave has seen cases rising dramatically and with less than 3% of the population vaccinated and a health system overwhelmed, there is a real fear of the long-term impact Covid-19 will have on our country.

I wanted to update you on how Fields of Life are responding to this crisis. In our last communication, we told you of our emergency phone service which we have set up to reach thousands of people living in rural villages to provide accurate information, collect data and determine the needs of these communities. Our staff have been working incredibly hard and from 33 districts across Uganda, these are some of our main findings: 

As a result of this data, here are some of the ways that we have responded, and will continue to support vulnerable young people, their families and communities: 

• Help 2,750 families to cope during lockdown with provision of emergency food, medical supplies, and other items.
• Provide 72 health centres across Uganda with PPE. 
• A staff team of 8 will continue to run the call centre to reach more than 600 respondents from across Uganda. These groups will be resourced to raise awareness within their villages and districts about Covid-19, sensitize the public on how to protect themselves and others and also tackle myths about Covid-19. 
• Encourage 636 teachers from 53 primary schools across Uganda with support and incentives for two months while schools remain closed.
• Provide 1,100 young girls with reusable sanitary pads and liquid soap to allow them to manage their menstrual cycle in a safe and hygienic way. 
• Support the Uganda Child Helpline in responding to violence and abuse of children. 

We couldn’t do any of this without your support. To those who have sent words of encouragement, who have stood with us in prayer, who have given financially and much more…we thank you. 

We are continuing to monitor the situation and mobilise our staff and partners to respond to this crisis effectively. Please continue to pray for us here in Uganda, and if you would like to support this important work, you can do so by clicking here.

We will continue to keep you updated as much as we can and will be in touch again soon. Thank you for standing with us in this difficult season. 

Esther Ssempebwa
Fields of Life East Africa
Executive Director