URGENT NEED
URICT – Uganda has been working for and with Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Survivors of Gender Based Violence, Single Mothers especially widows since 2005. URICT has impacted lives and changed for the better the communities in and around Kamuli District Eastern Uganda. Over the years we have reached out to over 10,000 children, over 8,000 single mothers and 12,000 youths. Our community services and development work revolves around Education, Skilling, Health, food security and human rights. URICT has worked with both local and international partners for the betterment of the people of Kamuli.
Situation at hand – Appeal for support to purchase an Ambulance in response to Covid 19
The eve of 2020, came with so many unexpected challenges!!! … …and the world will never be the same again. As the 1st cases of Corona Virus – Covid 19 were reported in Uganda, in March 2020 the government’s solid will to curb and stop the massive spread of the virus was so lacking. Despite the punishing and unforgiving restrictions and nationwide lock down, the Ugandan government, particularly the Ministry of Health didn’t do enough to prepare for the worst because of limited resources
As we entered the 2nd and 3rd Wave of Covid 19, we are faced with a bitter reality that the government isn’t ready to fight and stop Covid 19. Uganda has a population of over 47 million; it’s absurd to let you know that only less than 800,000 people have been immunized. These Covid 19 jabs were mainly for essential workers, “connected people” politicians etc. This leaves people like us in a very tough situation. It should be emphasized that the Medical & Health industry is mainly in the hands of the private sector, since the government health facilities are not enough. The private sector has used this opportunity to make huge profits from this Covid 19 breakout. The rampant lack of oxygen and oxygen cylinders has escalated the situation as well. As the hospitals got filled up so quickly, locals failing to give a decent burial to their loved ones, the government responded by locking the country for another 42 days. No public means, no transport, strict curfew hours of being outside. NOBODY thought that people in the rural poor villages also contract Covid 19 and yet they have no means of even getting to the nearest health center to get medical treatment.
As Covid 19 claims several lives every day, for example in our Village/Community, locals are also dying of other diseases and complications, pregnant mothers can’t get to the hospitals and hence there are several mothers who are now victims of maternal mortality. The infant mortality has also doubled
I personally Andrew Gabula the co-founder/executive director of URICT- Uganda COVID 19 attacked me and I was taken to Kenya and admitted in Nairobi Hospital Aga-Khan spent almost a month in hospital. My friend helped me with funds to pay all medical bills and other needs. God bless her abundantly. God saved my life but I was going to die in few days.
The only vehicles allowed on the streets are the Ambulances, yes Ambulance!!! However, it should be noted that in the entire district of Kamuli for example, there are only 3 known ambulances. Which are in a dangerous mechanical state and some even broken down. To the one which is operational, it’s very expensive to hire, yet working fully at capacity. The population indicator shows that Kamuli has a population of 907,850 people. This shows you the extreme need we are in.
People are dying in the villages, and it’s upon this background that URICT Uganda with URICT – Joy Children’s Center and Janet Primary School is appealing to you to support us in order to purchase an Ambulance which won’t only be used by our projects but also the entire locals in the district.
The maintenance, service, repair and gas, will be paid for through cost sharing with the people who will be using the Ambulance.
We have had an engagement with the dealer (Magezi Med-Auto (U) LTD) of a 4×4 Ambulance Van, which comes with some medical equipment, oxygen gas cylinders, Wi-Fi, a standby generator etc. and they gave us a quotation of $38,500USD and can be delivered as soon as possible. He has also given us a payment plan of 75% on delivery and 25% after 3 months.
Donations can be channeled through our donation page https://www.urictuganda.org/ways-to-give/donate
Donations are also accepted through WorldRemit.com, MoneyGram.com, Westernunion.com and wave.com (attention – Andrew Gabula – 256775055492 – andrewgabula@gmail.com )
Thanks so much for your support and we shall forever be grateful.
