Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja flagged off the delivery of 300 oxygen cylinders to 17 hospitals across the country to support critically ill COVID-19 patients on July 21st, from the Office Of the Prime Minister, Kampala (OPM). Prime Minister Nabbanja said “This donation, and Nile Breweries’ continued support and contribution to Uganda, will make a real difference to the exceptionally difficult COVID-19 situation in the country.” The donation, valued at over Shs 333Million (US$92,000), will benefit major referral hospitals in 17 districts across Uganda.
The cylinders are to be distributed across the country covering all regions: Acholi, Ankole, Buganda, Bukedi, Bunyoro, Busoga, Karamoja,Kigezi, Lango, Sebei-Elgon, Teso, Tooro, and West Nile. These regions are represented by districts:Gulu, Mbarara, Kampala, Masaka, Lugazi, Tororo, Masindi , Jinja, Iganga , Moroto, Kabale, Lira, Kapchorwa, Mbale, Soroti , Kabarole, and Arua. Over the past few weeks, Uganda has tightened restrictions in order to curtail a worrying rise in COVID-19 infections, which have tested the capacity of the Ugandan healthcare system. The 75kg oxygen cylinders, will prove an immensely valuable resource in Uganda’s fight against the pandemic and has the potential to save many lives.
Hospital administrators received the Oxygen Cylinders which were transported to all hospitals by NBL trucks. Jinja hospital Principle Administrator, David Ssemakula thanked Nile Breweries for its generosity and for joining hands with government in the fight against #Covid -19. He revealed that lack of oxygen has been one of the biggest problems with the high number of patients admitted into ICU from the region. “We are very impressed because the cylinders have been donated in right time when the hospital is in need. We had a shortage of oxygen cylinders yet the Covid 19 cases are increasing every now and then,” said Dr Sophie Namasopo the director of Kabale Hospitals which received 20 cylinders.
When COVID 19 threatened, NBL responded quickly. NBL has previously donated 25,000kg of maize meal to those threatened by food insecurity during the 1ST lockdown; 7,900 litres of fuel to Covid 19 Task Forces of districts, Mbarara, Jinja, Kampala and Buikwe, and medical equipment valued at Shs30 million for Mulago Hospital Intensive Care Unit. Onapito Ekomoloit, Legal& Corporate Affairs Director NBL said, “This pandemic has shown us that the only way to build a better tomorrow is by working together. We have seen globally how stakeholders have come together to collaborate for the greater good. We’re proud to have been able to support Uganda’s healthcare system and its brave health workers at this difficult time.”
According to Francis Kisirinya, Ag Executive Director, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, the donation is a timely and most needed contribution now that will save lives, particularly for those in hospitals. “The private sector recently appealed to its members to come together and compliment Government efforts to the COVID19 resurgence. We applaud Nile Breweries for heeding to our call.” Said Kisirinya. He added, “With life; business thrives.” No matter what stage of recovery our communities are in, we have a critical role to play in driving them forward. #TogetherForBetter #NileOxygen