COVID: Besigye wants govt to distribute more food

Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Dr Kizza Besigye has asked the Government to consider distributing more food to Ugandans if they are to comply with Standard Operating Procedures against the spread of COVID-19.

"Ugandans are becoming more desperate that's why they are not listening to Government, they are hungry and we need to force Government to give them food," said Besigye.

He explained that "the rising suicide cases are because people are desperate so we are calling upon Government to either listen to them or we force it to do the needful."

Besigye made the remarks Friday during a press conference at his offices on Katonga Road in which he unveiled his next plan after declaring he will not be contesting for presidency in 2021.

"Government has been borrowing money including sh58b to distribute food but it is being used to finance elections so we must force them to bring it back because we have to survive. Ugandans should organize themselves in units say public transporters, teachers, and health workers to demand that the Government serves them," he said.

In March, the Government barred public gatherings closing schools, markets, public transport, churches, and entertainment venues to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic and measures to curb its spread have had adverse effects on people's livelihoods and Besigye hopes to capitalize on these circumstances to rally Ugandans against Government.

According to a study conducted by Food Rights Alliance and Twaweza between May and June, on average Ugandans are spending 30% less than they used to before the pandemic.  

Tasking the Government to offer more support to Ugandans, the study said 6 out of 10 households reported their food consumption got worse during and after the COVID-19 lockdown with 79% saying they are now poorer.

The study shows that "63% of rural households, 72% of poorer people and 64% of those in lower levels of education were more likely to face increasing food challenges."

The government estimates that during the 3 months lockdown, it was able to distribute food to about 1.8 million people in Kampala with lactating mothers and children getting milk and sanitary utilities as well.

It has also encouraged institutions such as banks to consider restructuring loan servicing and availed Sh20b for teachers to borrow as a way of helping people recover from the economic effects of COVID-19.

"Government has been borrowing money to fight COVID-19 but people are still desperate and committing suicide that's why they defy the standard operating procedures so we should demand that Government distributes food to the people because a hungry body can't fight," Besigye noted.