This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, Uganda is no exception. The crisis has brought about a significant shift in attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs.
One of the most striking changes is the way people view miracles. In the past, young people often prayed for visas to Europe or America, but now, with the pandemic, the concept of miracles has taken on a new meaning.
For instance, the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with a few fish and loaves has been reinterpreted by atheist intellectuals. They suggest that the Hebrews of the time would have packed food for prayer crusades, and when Jesus ordered them to eat, they simply opened their lunch boxes and shared.
Similarly, the lockdown imposed by President Yoweri Museveni has forced people to reevaluate their priorities. Initially, many feared that the two million vulnerable Kampalans living hand to mouth would face starvation, but thanks to relief efforts, they did not.
Some have even joked that President Museveni performed a miracle by allowing people to survive for 14 days without eating. However, it's more likely that the government's efforts to provide relief food and other support measures played a significant role in preventing widespread starvation.
As people adapt to the new reality, they are learning to distinguish between what is essential and what is not. The lockdown has forced many to reevaluate their priorities, and some have even found creative ways to cope with the situation.
For example, when gyms were shut down, people took to the roads to jog, but this was also banned. President Museveni even released a video of himself doing cardio and power exercises in his office, setting an example for his citizens.
Others have demanded that the government suspend rent payments, claiming that they cannot afford to pay. However, this would have led to a different kind of crisis, with landlords facing financial difficulties and potentially even bankruptcy.
Meanwhile, the Finance ministry has proposed borrowing $190 million from the World Bank and IMF to help the government cope with the pandemic. However, some have questioned the wisdom of this move, suggesting that it would only lead to further debt and financial burdens.
President Museveni has taken a more pragmatic approach, appealing to rich Ugandans to donate to the cause, rather than seeking foreign aid. His call for brand new 4WDs to boost the Health services' mobility has already yielded positive results, with several vehicles being donated within a week.
As the pandemic continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Uganda will emerge from this crisis. However, one thing is certain – the country will never be the same again.
