Rwanda – Salesians project growing number of emergency cases as COVID-19 persists in the region

02 September 2020
Photos: Palabek (Uganda)

(ANS - Kigali) – The Salesians of Don Bosco in AGL are projecting increased emergency cases as COVID-19 persists and sees an upsurge in the number of people testing positive these days.

For instance, in Rwanda, the new guidelines emphasize the need to allow only the smallest number of people at the workplace (30%) while others are advised to stay at home and work from there where it is possible.

The administration also prohibits persons’ movement with the curfew hours starting from 7 pm until 5 am every day.

Inter-provincial movements for those using public transport have been banned. Many businesses continue to suffer since the clientele has decreased, young people are still obliged to stay at home while waiting for the reopening of schools on the date which is not yet known and parents are struggling to provide for their families during these challenging times.

After realizing the possibly continuous COVID-19 threats, the Salesian provincial economer, Brother Hubert TWAGIRAYEZU who is also the Director of Planning and Development Office in AGL, is calling for a helping hand in order to be able to cater to the large number of needy persons likely to starve if the situation continues to worsen due to the pandemic.

The same situation is also happening in the Palabek Refugee Camp in northern Uganda. The camp hosts thousands of South Sudan Refugees. Fr Lazar Arasu, a Salesian living with refugees in Palabek, has written about the very serious problems among refugee teenagers, severely aggravated by the pandemic: unwanted pregnancies, abortions, abuse and other issues. The Salesians are doing their best through sensitization programmes in groups, peer-group discussions and individual counselling (see photographs-Palabek).

Brother Hubert TWAGIRAYEZU voiced the concern about the situation:

“Dear all, in this crucial moment of COVID-19 many people lost their jobs, people do not have resources to buy the necessary needs like food, health insurance. I am kindly requesting your intervention.”

Since the outbreak, the Salesians of Don Bosco-AGL Province have been able to support suffering communities, thanks to the donors from all over the world.

Support can be immediately channeled by bank transfer, direct support or by contacting the Provincial economer via his e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by Phone Number: +250787683426

Ange Dusabemungu

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