Coca-Cola delivers food to Mukono COVID-19 Taskforce

Mukono: The Coca-Cola Foundation, through the Uganda Red Cross Society, has delivered 30 tonnes of maize flour, 15 tonnes of beans, milk and sugar to the Mukono District COVID-19 Taskforce to feed vulnerable families affected by the lockdown in response to COVID-19.

The food consignment is part of a UGX390million contribution The Coca-Cola Foundation made to the Uganda Red Cross Society in support of the countrywide efforts to combat Covid-19.

Arthur Akankwasa, Coca-Cola Franchise Manager in Uganda said the commitment of Coca-Cola to the fight against Covid-19 includes supporting livelihoods and making health essentials available to ensure the safety and health of the people of Uganda.

“Today, we have delivered food in Mukono District. This is part of a global effort by the Coca-Cola system to help where we can by providing support to affected and vulnerable communities. Covid-19 is a health and humanitarian crisis that requires the urgent attention of everyone,” he said.

“In Uganda we have intervened in various ways,including provision of food relief, supporting medical teams, hygiene promotion through hand washing facilities and public awareness,” Akankwasa said.

In addition to the contribution to the Uganda Red Cross Society, the company also donatedUGX87.5million to the Ministry of Health through the National Task force to provide medical equipment and to support medical teams. A further UGX460million has been made available to raise public awareness around Covid-19 prevention measures.

“We value our partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society since their work is extremely critical and their reputation for effective community support is beyond reproach. We worked with them most recently during the Bududa and Bundibugyo landslides and changed the lives of many families for the better.” Akankwasa added.

Ronald Gayiya, Head of Fleet, said he was proud to be in the field distributing food relief to people in need.

“Joining the Uganda Red Cross Society and the District Task Force to make a positive difference in the lives of our fellow Ugandans made me feel proud of the company I work for. I am always happy when we get the opportunity to do good in people’s lives,” he said.

While receiving the food on behalf of Mukono District Taskforce, Dr. Fred Yiga, the chairperson of the Relief Sub-Committee – Mukono District, appreciated the Coca-Cola system for supporting the efforts of Government and Mukono District which is part of the greater Kampala Metropolitan area.

“We would like to thank Coca-Cola for their timely contributions through our trusted friends the Uganda Red Cross Society. With this donation, we will help the most vulnerable and the Red Cross will enable us to reach community members through their local branch here in Mukono, and the local council leadership. Thank you, Coca-Cola,” Yiga said.

The Uganda Red Cross Society spokesperson, Irene Nakasiita who also represented the Secretary General, appreciated the work of The Coca-Cola Company and their local bottling partner for their support whenever there are emergencies in the country.

“We have worked with Coca-Cola to respond to emergencies in Bududa and Bundibugyo when floods swept communities and claimed lives late last year. Coca-Cola came in very fast and provided lifesaving interventions. Once again during this #Covid-19 pandemic, we recognise the humanitarian spirit that drives their work as well as their love for the communities they serve,” she said.

“Thank you, Coca-Cola. The food has been delivered and the rest of the funds will be directed towards life-saving disease prevention and control activities as together we fight Covid-19 in our country,” Nakasiita added.