Further to my message in March, I wanted to send an update to thank our KCC supporters and to let you know how we have been managing the effects of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Firstly, I hope that you and your families are healthy and well. The past few months have been a challenging time for everyone in different ways. My heart especially goes out to those of you that have suffered loss, ill health or hardship and to those of you who are key workers and have helped to keep us all safe.

To date, there have been just under 700 reported cases of Covid-19 in Uganda, with no recorded deaths. As a result, the Ugandan government has begun to ease lockdown restrictions. Primarily, people can begin to return to work and use public transport, within the hours of curfew and respecting social distancing regulations. Large gatherings are still not permitted, therefore schools, universities and churches remain closed. There has not yet been a date set for further restrictions to be lifted.

As a result of the restrictions that were put in place, some children, especially young adults were transitioned from KCC and were able to return to their relatives in the community and to be cared for by their relatives. However a large group of children have continued to stay at KCC and to be looked after by KCC staff. This setup has been recently reviewed and has resulted in most of the children returning to the Centre to be cared for by KCC staff. A few who are over the age of 18 will remain in the community with their relatives in order to bond as we support them in the process of becoming independent adults. KCC staff are in regular contact with them and will support them with a living allowance, medical care and anything needed that might not be provided for by their guardians.

I have been overwhelmed by the response to our Covid-19 appeal. I am humbled by your kindness and your generosity. As a result of the restrictions in Uganda, many people have not been able to work, and food and medicine have become expensive commodities that many are unable to afford. At KCC we have been able to use some of the money that you have so very generously given and have provided food, nourishment and care to the children from KCC, to their families and to the wider community as a whole. We have also been able to use your donations to keep our Centre staffed and functioning, even though all onsite schools remain closed. Without your extra support, this would not have been possible. We cannot thank you enough.