Twitter Tweet About Covid in Uganda Stimulates Discussion

Christmas at an orphanage in Uganda, pre-Covid. As a result of the
economic lockdown this orphanage in Kampala had to close.

Twitter is a remarkably useful platform. You can follow individuals, or you can do searches for topics and see what is being said about that topic, any topic. You can type in the word "Riots" and see all the places in the world where riots have been taking place. You can also type in the names of places and see what is happening there. You can follow countries or cities where you have friends, or simply places you are curious about. And you can also see responses from others to all these things, often being carried on like an out of control bar fight. It's Reality TV in some ways, though a little more raw and less edited.

I know a few people in Uganda so I check in via Twitter to see what has been happening there since the lockdown.  Here's a Tweet that caught my attention last night.

* * * *
sally
@sallyKP

News Flash!
Uganda (43,000,000 people), where Hydroxychloroquine is eaten like candy due to malaria, have had 20 deaths.
20!

Not 20,000!
Not 2,000!
Not 200!

👉🏼20!👈🏼

* * * *

In checking the factuality of this at the Global COVID-19 Dashboard, I find that there are now 22 deaths. There have been a little over 2300 cases. The country has been in lockdown, which explains some of it, but there are 43 million people and it's curious to see so little impact in many of these poorer countries.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Hydroxychloroquine is not recommended (a) because it is not effective as a treatment for Covid-19 and (b) because it has side effects.

The Food & Drug Administration also cautions against the use of Hydroxychloroquine outside of the hospital or in a clinical study.

According to this BBC story, Uganda reported its first Covid death in late July. The BBC underscores the strictness with which their lockdown has been enforced. In fact more people had died at the hands of the enforcers of the lockdown than had died from the virus (at the time the story was published.)

This article in Science magazine states that scientists have noticed the low death counts in Africa but can't understand the reasons, since the virus does seem prevalent. "The pandemic appears to have spared Africa so far. Scientists are struggling to explain why."

* * * *
Here are several Tweets in response to the Tweet I shared above:

A Canadian in Germany  
@CanadianGermany
Probably not like candy but as a medication against malaria. People will say the average age is in the twenties but I guess there are more than 20 older ones, actually a lot more. The CFR in basically all "malaria countries" is much lower than in EU and US. The difference is HCQ

patriot
@Mahadbarya
Hey...I'm Ugandan and offended ...though the deaths are just 20...we dont eat Hydrochloroquine like candy we take as medicine besides..we use masks,sanitize regulary and at times keep the social distancing ....thank you

Matt Young
@Realmattyoung
I go to Uganda every year! Ugandans are amazing people! I love Uganda. The people were promised masks by the government and they didn’t get any. I talked to one of my contacts who said 2 of those cases were falsified because the Dr’s were paid to lie. God bless Uganda.

Zeroed
@mactimo23
They are falsified deaths

Mike B
@dublinsquirrel
that's why the MSM don't talk about it

ShaQQFu
@ShaQQFu
RIP critical thinking

George
@George96531446
I have been asking why we haven't heard about all the deaths we were supposed to expect from under developed countries? Well now we know why they haven't happened! Take note WORLD.

Graeme Goodall
@GraemeGoodall29
Which begs the question why hydroxychloroquine was withdrawn from the shelves in all European and North American pharmacies just prior to lockdown? Why was The Lancet commissioned by the WHO to brand this safe,effective treatment 'dangerous'.

Daydrinking Drunkard
@KielbasaDude
Replying to @jzippy84 and @NJDeptofHealth 
You still here pushing a bogus miracle drug??? The study doesn't prove shit. Good-bye, knucklehead

* * * *
If nothing else, the Twitter stream is an immediate and unmediated place to find information you won't find elsewhere, and misinformation. If you read thoughtfully, though, you can certainly get a pretty good sense of what is happening.

This brings to mind the 2008 event that showed me the power of Twitter. Here are the two posts I wrote back then in response to the Mumbai Hotel incident:
Mumbai Heartbreak Hotel
Why Mumbai Massacre Matters To Us

Just sowing seeds. Make the most of your day. When it's over it will be gone forever.

Worthy Causes: Meeting Needs in Uganda and Haiti

The Unisphere. My friend's father was a welder on this icon of the Fair.

It was a privilege to visit the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair more than a dozen times during its two year interlude in the Big Apple. Every nation, state and corporation put their best face forward in their various ways, striving to make a memorable impression, teach us something about themselves and ourselves while providing visions of a hopeful tomorrow.

The theme inside the Disney Pavilion was reinforced in the song "It's a Small World After All" reinforced in the memorable refrain, "It's a small, small, small, small world."

Over the course of my lifetime it's become apparent how very small this third rock from the sun,  Spaceship Earth, really is. One of my co-workers has travelled abroad at least 40 times during her lifetime. I myself have lived a year each in two countries outside the U.S. and my daughter has been to Europe three or four times, has lived in China 18 months and travelled in Southeast Asia.

With the advent of the Internet in the 90s, three of my short stories were translated into other languages, and through social media the degree of cross-cultural relationship building has become remarkable.

One result of all these communications advances is an increased awareness of the challenges our fellow brothers and sisters abroad have been struggling with. The "news" is no longer mediated by ABC, CBS and NBC. We have direct access to people whose homes are burning in Australia and whose parents have perished from AIDS.

This blog post is about a pair of needs, one in Uganda and one in Haiti.

PEACE*LOVE*HAITI Spring 2020

A barrio in Haiti

Two weeks ago Gaelynn Lea sent me a note about an upcoming fundraiser concert for a Goodwill mission to Haiti. It was my intent to post something about the February 29 concert featuring
The Murder of Crows (NPR Music's 2016 Tiny Desk Contest Winnner Gaelynn Lea & Alan Sparhawk of Low), Katy Vernon, Kyle Ollah, Jerree Small & Four Mile Portage. The concert at Duluth Cider included a silent auction.

Peace*Love*Haiti is a small but mighty group of Duluthians who go to Haiti and provide free/ultra low-cost medical care at least twice a year. Their next trip has been planned for April, and the money raised at this fundraiser will be used for purchasing medications, renting a truck to take them to the rural areas they serve, and hiring an interpreter to assist with communication. This volunteer medical relief team was formed by nurses Tricia Mattson and Julie Zimmerman when they embarked on their first trip to Haiti in 2010 to help after the earthquake. They have been back over 20 times since, providing crisis relief for cholera and after hurricanes, and providing general medical care for people who rarely have seen a doctor in their entire lives.

When I lived in Minneapolis 35 years ago I knew a doctor who was part of a group who went for one month a year to serve needs there. It's actually quite remarkable how many professionals do this kind of work abroad without fanfare.

The concert is now past but you can still contribute here on their Go Fund Me page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/lacoma-spring-2020-let039s-go


Letter from Uganda

I became aware of Samaritan's Way through a young artist from Uganda who had himself grown up in an orphanage, Steveboyyi Songman. Steve had a way with children and in Uganda frequently helped out at this orphanage. Having worked at an orphanage for a year in Mexico, I understood the challenges and the rewards of this kind of work.

Idah Mehangye did not set out to start a home for orphans, but when her sister and brother-in-law died from AIDS Idah and her husband Henry agreed to take in the two orphaned children. As others learned of their benevolence, more children were brought to be cared for. Today they have more than 40 children to house, feed and nurture.

I sent a small stipend recently and received this kind letter from Idah.

Dear Ed

We would like to thank you for your love and prayers. We truly know that you never forget about us. May God bless you abundantly.

The repairs and refurbishment of our premises are close to the finish. But we are still working in a very clumsy environment.

1. The building is roofed and finished but not yet painted.

2. There are not yet any drawings on the walls, which would be good for the kids while making the place look cool and bright.

3. Some of the swings and playing equipment have not yet been installed again. They are still lying on the ground. They are still waiting for the place to be firm enough in order to have them fixed.

4. The grass has not yet been replanted. The compound is still dirty and dangerous for the kids.

But in all this we are very thankful to God for His Grace and favor. At least we have a roof over their heads. We are very thankful to you for often putting food on their plates. We pray that very soon by and by all things will be in place. We give all the Glory to God.

Once again thank you very much and God bless you.

Hon. Idah

Some of the children at Samaritan's Way in Uganda.

Related Links
Orphanage In Uganda Celebrates Christmas with Our Help
Would You Like to Help Paint an Orphanage? Help Feed Children In Uganda?
A Baby Ripped His Heart Out (A Haiti story)

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE 

Send me an email: ennyman3@gmail.com

I will put you in touch with Idah. 

100% of what you send will go to Uganda

for the orphanage and children.

You can even contribute via PayPal.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP IN SOME OTHER WAYS

besides sending money... Maybe you have ideas

or skills that would help bring awareness, solve a problem.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/the-world-factbook/attachments/summaries/UG-summary.pdf

Would You Like to Help Paint an Orphanage? Help Feed Children In Uganda?

Idah Mhangye (center) when Santa visited Samaritan's Way last year.

In early 2017 I was introduced to a young man who at the age of nine months was left on a sidewalk so that he never knew his parents. He was raised at an orphanage in Uganda. When the orphanage closed in his teen years, he lived a foraging kind of life near a university. His soccer skills were quite developed so that he received a scholarship there. He had also became skilled at drawing and painting, which drew him to my own attention when he was here in the Northland. Cheerful and gregarious, Steveboyyi won a lot hearts while he was here. Had there been no home to take him in, he would have certainly perished.

Samaritan's Way, 2017. (Click to enlarge)

There is much brokenness in the world, but those who suffer most are often orphans, people with disabilities, vulnerable women and the elderly.

The visit from Santa warmed many hearts. (Click to enlarge)

We in America are often forgetful of how blessed we have been and unaware of how even our smallest gifts can make an enormous impact in a Third World culture. It was through Steveboyyi, who is now back in Kampala, Uganda, that I learned of an orphanage run by the Hon. Idah Mehangye. A Graduate Teacher by profession, Idah has briefly studied at Oxford and in India, and served in the 7th Parliament of Uganda for 5 years (2001-2006), Representing Kamwenge District. She was later appointed Resident District Commissioner (RDC), by the President for 5 years, 2006-2011.

Her passion to help women and children, especially the vulnerable like the orphans, led her to start Samaritans Way Kindergarten four years ago with the help of her family. The support for this orphanage comes from her husband Henry and their six children. "A few friends chip in once in a while," she says, with gratitude.

When I asked Idah for details on the children's home and how they are funded she replied, "We have 45 children between three and six years. We currently have no regular revenue source or specific funding." As indicated, family and friends have helped support the Orphanage.

"Others are very welcome to contribute by supporting with regular funding for food and general upkeep; and by supporting or sponsoring individual children," she said, adding, "We also would appreciate regular Prayers for the Orphanage."

Samaritan's Way is not affiliated with a larger bureaucracy so that whatever money is sent will go directly to the children and Samaritan's Way, minus cost of sending.

When I sent a note to Idah that I was writing this blog post she thought some additional info might be helpful.

Two things you may want to know. One is what inspired me to start an Orphanage. My sister Margaret's husband died of HIV/AIDS. Margaret died six months later. They left two young girls. Henry and I took them on. I realized that there are many such helpless orphans who need help, especially education to enable them live to their full potential. Thus we started the home.

The second thing is our biggest challenges are food for the kids, plus rent and general upkeep of the kids including health care. This does not include stationery, utilities, overhead costs or staff emoluments.

PAINTING PROJECT
What triggered me to want to create this blog post was a desire to raise funds for a painting project. There is a need to paint some areas of the children's home. Steveboyyi has volunteered to do the work, so all we need is $200 for paint. But to be quite frank, I would not want to see the buildings look nice and have the children hungry, and you probably feel the same, so I don't know what to say here. If you wish to designate funds for food or medical needs, great!

Essentially I am pointing out a need. These kinds of needs are everywhere. Maybe some of you reading this have wanted to give in a manner that you know makes a difference, but aren't sure how. As I've gotten to know Idah and Steveboyyi, I can tell you the needs are real and none of the money will go to accountants and organizations with staff folk driving fancy cars.

SEED THOUGHT
If you are a member of a church, you may wish to bring Samaritan's Way to the attention of your Mission Board. A small contribution goes a long ways.  (Am hoping this seed will find some good soil!)

If you want to get connected, send me a note: ennyman3 AT gmail DOT com
or you may also contact Idah directly to Idah Mehangye idah.mehangye AT gmail DOT com

Thanks for reading, and sharing this post with your friends.

Local Art Scene: Saturday Evening with Steveboyyi @ the AICHO

While driving to Trepanier Hall Saturday evening I privately hoped there would be a good turnout for the art show featuring Steveboyyi Makubuya, the young man temporarily here in the Northland from Africa. As we slowed to find a spot to park on Second Street it was gratifying to see all the parking spaces were taken well into the next block. This would be a good crowd I surmised, and indeed it was.

Entering the hall one was immediately struck by the good vibes and energy. Dozens of drawings and pictures filled the walls with conversations taking place in front of each. The murmurs and chatter were indicative of an unusual level of excitement for this show. A WDIO cameraman filmed from different vantage points in the room as a continuous thread of people filed in. Across the room I could see Kelly McFaul-Solem of CPL Imaging rushing to make a mark on the tag of yet another picture indicating it was sold. A keen eye would have observed that numerous other pieces had already been snatched up.

At a certain point Moira (rhymes with Theory) Villiard took the stage and corralled the crowd's attention in order to introduce the young man from Uganda whose artwork was here displayed.

Steveboyyi began by explaining his name and where he came from. When he was found at nine months old and brought to the orphanage in Kampala he had no name and no birth date. Kids called him Street Boy, so it was simple enough to give this a twist. He would be Steve Boyyi. An African last name was adopted and he became Steveboyyi Makubuya.

When it came to filing to get a visa he needed to have a birth date. Imagine if you could choose any day for your birthday. What would you choose? He chose a date that was important to him in October.

Throughout his talk he expressed such joy and natural enthusiasm that the crowd remained fully engaged throughout his storytelling. He shared how when he was seventeen the orphanage closed and he returned to the streets. For more than two years he slept in a tree and fed himself from the dumpsters at a college hear where he made his "home." When he described how the birds were his best friends and the rain was his enemy, everyone laughed.

After his speech the children gathered to hear more stories.

WDIO sent a cameraman to document the event.

It was fortuitous that he should meet some missionary nurses who were serving in Africa. When invited to America to share his art, there were regulations to be overcome. In order to leave Uganda you have to have land and family or you will not be issued papers. These rules were set aside when he showed his art.

Tim Turk, one of the nurses who assisted in bringing him to Northern Minnesota, would tell Steveboyyi and other young people there what snow was like. "In Uganda," Steveboyyi said, "People don't believe snow exists." And with a very big smile he exclaimed, "I really love snow!"

He told another very funny story. So many things here were new to Steveboyyi, and on one occasion when they came out of a store after shopping he saw a dog in the driver's seat of a car in the parking lot with its front paws up on the steering wheel. Tim Turk told Steveboyyi that in America even the dogs can drive. The young artist said it took him three weeks to learn that this was not true.

In addition to original artwork there were also reproductions available.

The beginning of what will hopefully be a long friendship.

He closed by telling us of his deep gratitude for all the people who have helped him, and reminding us that we should be grateful for all that we have. There are so many kids on the streets in Uganda who have nothing.

You can read more of Steveboyyi's story in my previous blog post and in Christa Lawler's March 2 DNT account.

A quick shout out to Michelle LeBeau, AICHO Director, who has helped bring so many really special events to this facility. Though she keeps the spotlight on the performers, poets, writers and artists, she deserves to be recognized for her role in making these events happen. Thank you, Michelle. You are making a good contribution to our community.

* * * *

To see more of Steven Boyyi's paintings and drawings, visit this page at Jeff Frey Photography/CPL Imaging.