IGAD donates $100,000 to Uganda to fight COVID-19

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has donated US$100,000 to Uganda to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Uganda’s National Taskforce on COVID-19 received the donation Monday from IGAD staff.

IGAD migration expert Lucy Daxbacher represented IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu and its staff at the handover ceremony in Kampala.

The check was received by Joyce Moriku, the Minister of State for Primary Health Care, on behalf of Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, who chairs the taskforce.

While handing over the check, Daxbacher said it is important to address the coronavirus outbreak at the regional level.

“We need to be in touch every day to fight this war. It is my pleasure to present this token of solidarity from IGAD staff at IGAD’s secretariat in Djibouti,” she said.

Moriku said that last Monday, all heads of state of IGAD held a meeting and came up with a resolution to formulate a collective response to COVID-19.

“I am glad to step in to receive the money on behalf of my country. Allow me to appreciate IGAD’s secretariat for this timely support,” she said.

IGAD is an eight-country trade bloc in Africa. It includes governments from the Horn of Africa, the Nile Valley and the African Great Lakes. Its headquarters is in the city of Djibouti.

It comprises Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Djibouti and South Sudan.