On behalf of the Goodwill Committee, Chairperson Adv Assumpta Kemigisha Ssebunya and Treasurer Adv Sylvia Namawejje Ebitu are pleased to announce that on Tuesday, 21 April 2020, the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for Lawyers, in accordance with the recommendations of the vetting and allocation sub-committee and the principle of confidentiality, reviewed 29 requests and paid out Shs 2,669,000 (inclusive of withdrawal charges) to 25 beneficiaries for assorted relief items.
“Two requests were deferred pending further investigations, while two others were rejected for not meeting the established criteria,” the Chairperson explained the process.
Given that the Goodwill Committee had on Monday, 20 April 2020, paid out Shs 1,560,000 for the treatment of Adv Moses Kuguminkiriza (a highly publicized case) in adherence to the terms of a special grant from Moses’ Angels (Adv Francis Gimara SC, Adv Primah N Kwagala and Anonymous), it follows that the sum of disbursements to-date is Shs 4,229,000.
All beneficiaries promptly registered their acknowledgment of receipt of funds as well as their gratitude and commendation for the Convener, Goodwill Committee and the esteemed donors. The Chairperson personally called some of the requesters to explain the Committee’s decisions.
“On Wednesday, 22 April 2020, the Goodwill Committee also approved three counsellors who have agreed to provide our members in need a cost-free and highly confidential service during this difficult period, viz Ms Gloria Kembabazi of Reciprocity (0782055717, 0755649047), Mr Jimmy Odoki of Heart Sounds Uganda (0776893345), and Mr Emmanuel Ssekidde of Hillside Recovery Home (070893310). Please do not hesitate to report any psychiatric and psychological emergencies to them 24/7,”Chairperson Assumpta Kemigisha Ssebunya assured members of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) in a short statement released to the press.
Hon Secretary donates to the Fund;
The Goodwill Committee is also pleased to announce that the Honorary Secretary of the ULS Adv Francis Harimwomugasho donated Shs 102,000 on Tuesday and wished the Fund “all the best.”
The Goodwill Committee also received three more donations since the last interim report, viz Shs 500,000 from Adv Ivan Kyateka, Shs 100,000 from Ms Lauryn Karayi, and Shs 1,000,000 from Anonymous.
The Goodwill Committee is exceedingly grateful for these donations and appeals to other ULS members and well-wishers outside the ULS to support the noble cause of softening the mental, health and economic tolls of the pandemic on vulnerable lawyers.
Cash contributions as received by Treasurer Sylvia Namawejje Ebitu on her mobile numbers 0700305059 (Airtel) or 0772364114 (MTN) are now updated as follows –
1. Anonymous – 200,000
2. Dora Uzamukunda – 102,000
3. Isaac Atukunda – 100,000
4. Daniel Ruhweza – 100,000
5. Mariam Mbabali – 100,000
6. Christopher Luwaga – 200,000
7. Daniel Makubuya – 100,000
8. Bernard Oundo – 1,000,000
9. Lydia Katami – 100,000
10. Martha Mugume – 500,000
11. Moses Kwoba – 100,000
12. Claire Kemigisha – 100,000
13. Emma Carol Rutaro – 100,000
14. Geraldine Semakula – 100,000
15. Joanita Nakimuli – 100,000
16. Irene Itol – 100,000
17. Mike Sempijja – 100,000
18. Elias Bwambale – 100,000
19. Joshua Byamazima – 50,000
20. Ronnie Mulindwa – 100,000
21. Anonymous – 50,000
22. Assumpta Kemigisha Ssebunya – 1,000,000
23. Moses M. Magezi – 200,000
24. Edgar Mugenyi – 200,000
25. Anonymous – 20,000
26. Anonymous – 70,000
27. Isaac Ssemakadde – 1,015,000
28. Timothy Lugayizi – 102,000
29. Saad Asmahaney – 193,000
30. Alexander Tuhimbise – 100,000
31. Daniel Byaruhanga – 100,000
32. Martin Erone – 310,000
33. Moreen Nyakato – 100,00
34. Sylvia Namawejje Ebitu – 150,000
35. Anonymous – 100,000
36. Faisal Mulalira – 100,000
37. Ambrose Tebyasa – 150,000
38. Francis Gimara SC – 260,000 (Moses’ medical)
39. Primah N. Kwagala- 500,000 (Moses’ medical)
40. Anonymous – 500,000 (Moses’ medical)
41. Hope Atuhairwe Kisitu – 500,000
42. Asaph Agaba – 100,000
43. Ivan Kyateka – 500,000
44. Anonymous – 1,000,000
45. Francis Harimwomugasho – 102,000
46. Lauryn Karayi – 100,000
Total 10,884,000
Less disbursement:
20/4/20 1 beneficiary 1,560,000
21/4/20 25 beneficiaries 2,669,000
Current balance 6,655,000.
