Groups of young people have resorted to begging for food from government officials and celebrities traveling along Mbale – Kumi Highway.
Yesterday, they attempted to randomly stop many private cars plying that road but just a few took it up to stop by and hear them out.
"Many of them don't stop thinking that we want a lift in their cars but it's food we want." Philip Okia told ENN.
In his frosty voice, Okia added; "The few who stopped asked us to form a SACCO but in this Covid–19 we cannot."
The groups such as the one in Nakaloke and Kachumbala are made up by small scale traders who have been surviving from hand to mouth basis.
Scovia Aguti who used to work in a roadside bar says they 'can no longer afford basic needs.'
"I joined this highway begging because am sure some government officials and celebrities are kind enough to stop and give a helping hand," said Aguti.
By the time ENN camped at one of the highway begging point, coincidentally Hon. Mike Mukula, arrived.
Mukula, the ruling NRM party Vice Chairperson in Eastern Uganda was driving from Kampala back home in Teso.
"We recognized Hon. Mukula and immediately beckoned him to stop but it was too little too late, his two-car convoy sped off." Recalled Aguti a mother of three teenagers.
Speaking to ENN on phone this morning, Mukula also Ex–health minister regretted not being able to spot the desperate youths but promised to work with relevant authorities to address this issue.
“I could not see and recognize their gestures but I encourage them to approach their local leaders and Members of Parliament so as to be helped by Government.” Mukula told ENN.
These young people are part of low earning millions of Ugandans whose livelihoods have been drastically affected by the prevailing coronavirus lockdown.
Credit: ENN
