COVID-19 cases in Uganda have continued to rise steadily, and the country’s Ministry of Health is diligently updating the public. In addition to good public health messaging, they are also emphasizing contact tracing and testing to contain the virus. Several isolation centers have been created and visitors are quarantined. Uganda’s districts most at risk may be those adjacent to other countries because of porous borders. Inner districts are beginning to gradually ease some lockdown measures, but many are still in place.

Schools remain closed and there is no indication yet when they will open this year. An estimated 15 million children are currently staying home – including the 56 children on our Road to Hope (RTH) program. This comes with its own risks as children lose focus on school and can become inactive or distracted with home activities. For vulnerable children there are more serious concerns of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and early pregnancy. Hunger is a major issue. Many of the RTH children come from very impoverished households and their biggest struggle during the COVID-19 lockdown is access to food. As is sometimes the case in the US, families rely on children receiving nutritious meals from school. PCAU is continuing to work with the families and other partners to find ways to help them access at least one meal a day while at home.