The Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Mufti Ramathan Mubajjje has discredited the recently concluded relief cash disbursement exercise to ‘vulnerable Ugandans‘ by the government.
While delivering his EID ADUHA message to the faithful at Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala, Mufti Mubajje said the cash relief program has not effectively benefited the public.
He went on to say, the previous exercise of relief food distribution was much better and more widespread compared to the current relief aid.
He explains that the relief cash package that was intended to help over 500,000 households may not have positively impacted even those that received it.
“We thank the government for putting in place measures to assist the vulnerable by giving them cash this time. The cash has not impacted the people…the needy. We would like to advise the government to distribute food items like in the first wave rather than giving out the UGX100,000. Some people may not disclose to their family members that they have received the money.” said Mufti Mubajje.
Information from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development indicates that the government has so far given out 29 of 53 billion Shillings in relief cash to vulnerable persons affected by the current lockdown.
As of Monday 19th July, out of the targeted 501,107 household beneficiaries, 500,900 had been entered into the system and only 207 were yet to be uploaded.
Mufti Mubajje has also asked the government and security forces not to choke efforts by individuals and wellwishers donating food supplies to needy Ugandans.
He says people should be allowed to donate food and other relief items to communities without interference because the situation is hard for most families who didn’t receive the gov’t’s relief ash package.
”The government shouldn’t stop people and organizations from distributing food but rather guide on the right way to do it amidst the pandemic. Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive in people. I call upon the police not to be tough when dealing with people looking for food during this time. The situation is bad, most people haven’t received the UGX100,000.”he added
His comments come after police on Monday halted individual distribution of relief food items citing disregard for covid19 standard operating procedures- SOPs and disorganization.
Police mouthpiece Fred Enanga asked all well-wishers to donate their items through the various district taskforce teams to not only ensure organization but also that the food being distributed is fit for human consumption.
Muslim faithful are today celebrating Eid al ADHUHA under a 2nd lockdown, it is also referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice which is one of the most important festivals on the Muslim calendar.
