COVID-19: Rwanda Turns to Government Employees' Salaries to Fight Hunger

In a circular dated April 5^th, 2020 from the office of the Prime Minister, the government of Rwanda has indicated to cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of public institutions and other senior officials that they will forfeit their salary for April is the country battles the Coronavirus pandemic.

The number of coronavirus infections has shot over the 100 mark in Rwanda despite strict measures in the country.

Already, the government enforced a lockdown in the country, with citizens not allowed to cross from one city to another.

“All cabinet members, permanent secretaries, heads of public institutions and other senior officials shall forfeit one month’s salary (April),” the statement reads in part.

According to the International Monitory Fund (IMF), the COVID-19 pandemic has grounded Rwanda’s economy to a halt, creating an urgent balance of payments need.

Last month, Paul Kagame said that his government will do everything possible to support Rwandans, especially those whose sources of livelihood have been interrupted.

However, several video clips have showed a number of Rwandan vulnerable poor castigating their government for providing spoilt beans and very little maize flour, which many say is not comensulate with the number of family members. 

READ MORE: Uganda Starts Food Distribution to Covid-19 Lockdown Victims