Shock as Minister, 13 MPs donate only Sh1,200 to 10 orphans

ruby orimba

May 30, 2018 3:25 PM

The money was accompanied with two kilograms of sugar and loaves of bread.

Residents of Kibiga village, Kibiga Sub County in Kiboga District were on Tuesday left speechless after the Gender state minister, Peace Mutuuzo, flanked by 13 MPs and Kiboga District officials donated only Sh45,000 (Ksh 1,200) to an old woman living with over 10 orphaned grandchildren.

The money, that was handed over to the 80-year-old Teresa Namuli by Ms Mutuuzo, was accompanied with two kilograms of sugar and loaves of bread.

The MPs subscribing to Uganda Parliamentary Committee on Social Protection Grant (SAGE) were in the district to establish the progress of the program.

“I am not a minister but when I have some money, I donate a little or buy some items and give to people. But how can MPs and ministers donate that small amount to the family that needs much help?” one Robert Katumwa said.

Solar

As reported by ‘The Daily Monitor’ Ms Namuli who lives in an old mud house explained to the MPs and the minister that her solar panel bought at Shs70,000 (Ksh 1,800) was no longer functioning and requested for replacement.

In response, Ms Mutuuzo said she would follow up Ms Namuli’s request for a new solar panel when she returns to Kampala. “You note it down and ensure you remind me when I get back to Kampala. I will send a new solar panel,” Ms Mutuuzo directed her personal assistant.

Ms Namuli said some of her grandchildren had long stopped schooling because they could not raise school fees for secondary school after completing primary seven.

Grants

Kiboga District, as the pioneer of the SAGE program, has over 4,700 beneficiaries since the inception of the program in 2011. At least Shs8.7 billion has been disbursed in grants to beneficiaries in the district.

Minister without portfolio, Abdul Naduli who represented Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, said government would continue providing for the elderly regardless of their political affiliation.

ruby orimba