As way of contributing towards the fight against COVID-19 in Uganda, Coca-Cola Beverages Company donated a total of 187 empty jerry cans and 30 cartons of bottled water to help in the cause.
Coca-Cola’s contribution was however not well received by majority of Ugandans who lashed out at the Namanve based company saying the donation was too little given the latter’s big brand.
However, the Ministry of Health has clarified that Coca-Cola donated far more than what Ugandans claim is mere jerrycans.
“Coca-cola was one of the first companies that came to our rescue when we needed items like water, water containers for our quarantine people. They have been donating to different entities of government including $ 22,300 (Shs80m) to OPM,” Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine said.
According to Simon Kaheru, the company’s Public Affairs and Communications Director, since March 22, 2020, the company has been actively involved in the pandemic fight and the jerrycans donation was an additional contribution to the cause.
“These are challenging times not only in Uganda but around the world. As a business and as responsible citizens we are fully committed to doing everything we can to help in the fight against COVID-19. Since March 22, The Coca-Cola Company and its bottlers have cut commercial advertising across all brands and redirected this spend to amplify health awareness amongst the general public. In Uganda, we have introduced hygiene and safety messages on the labels of some of our Rwenzori and Coca-Cola products. They are now available on the market as a refreshment but with a hygiene and safety reminder,” said Mr Kaheru.
“We are donating water and sanitizer to vulnerable communities. Coca-Cola Beverages Africa contributed 30 cartons of Rwenzori Water for the Mandatory Quarantine Centres on the first day they were set up and we have since contributed 20 additional cartons. We have also set up equipment to make and provide hand sanitizer which we are making available to a segment of the community – starting with our employees and their families, and our distribution partners.
“Plus, we are also helping to set up handwashing stations. In this regard, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa contributed the 187 jerrycans for emergency handwashing stations at the border points in the first week – and has now contributed 467 jerrycans, actually, given to the Directorate of Immigration and Citizenship Control & MoH. The first lot was to begin controlling the possible spread of COVID-19 through border points.”
