Besigye Blasts Gov’t
The former Forum for Democratic Change-FDC party president and political giant Dr. Kiiza Besigye has scoffed at the government’s decision to distribute 100,000/= shillings to the vulnerable netizens as a relief package.
On Tuesday, Gender Minister Betty Amongi released a list of over 13 categories of vulnerable Ugandans expected to benefit from the said amount by 6th July 2021.
The money that is expected to be wired on various mobile money accounts is targeting over 500,000 households, with 5 people per household across all cities and Municipalities in Uganda.
However, Besigye says the amount is too insufficient and will not serve its purpose to the beneficiaries.
While addressing a presser at his office along Katonga road in Kampala, the opposition political giant says besides the money not being enough, the process of sending is taking longer than required.
“Total lockdown came about 10 days ago. They are still talking about how to process 100,000 to help people eat. But even 100,000 for a family for 42 days, how can that be serious? That you are budgeting 20kg of posho (maize flour) for a family for 42 days? How can that work?” He said
Besigye also questioned why the government was only concerned about food and not other critical needs like payment utility bills .
“Will 100,000 pay rent? The month has ended today. Nobody is talking about rent. Nobody is talking about how that posho will be cooked, nobody is talking about energy,” he wondered.
A total of Shs 54.7Bn was approved by the Cabinet on Monday, June 28 to aid a section of struggling Ugandans.
Besigye Blasts Gov’t
According to the government only daily earners and those affected badly by the lockdown are eligible to benefit.
They include; Bus/Taxi Drivers/Conductors, baggage carriers, wheelbarrow pushers, touts, traffic guides and loaders in taxis, Bus parks and stages and those working in commercial Centres such as Kikuubo, bar men, DJs, Bar maids waiters, bouncers and restaurant workers.
Others are food vendors in Bus/Taxi Parks and Arcades, Artists, Musicians, Comedians, Producers and Promoters.
Boda boda riders, special hire drivers, saloon and massage parlour workers, teachers and Support staff in Private Schools and Teachers in government Schools not on government Payroll, car washers, slum dwellers/Ghetto residents, street vendors, Shoe Shiners and Cobblers, orphans and Vulnerable Children are also listed among beneficiaries.
