I first heard about COVID 19 in November 2019 but didn’t give it much thought. I looked at it as a China problem and disease, very distant and unlikely to reach Africa, and more so Uganda. I was not bothered by the deaths in China as I related it to the bird flu that disturbed this country a few years back and was sure they would deal with it somehow. A few months down the road, what was a Chinese problem had quickly become a world problem, affecting all countries Uganda inclusive. I couldn’t believe this. I had even started a side hustle, getting my ka money on a daily, all seemed to be moving smoothly, then suddenly this pandemic puts everything to a halt………

This sudden halt of business and lots of other stuff left me thinking and has taught me a couple of lessons explained below;

Always prepare for life’s Emergency; Never to think that life shall be the same today and tomorrow, there can be a sudden overturn of events like death of loved ones; how prepared am I for these changes. Plan better, always have dry food at home in anticipation of a crisis or at least unexpected visitors.

Plan some emergency funds in the bank; This can be put aside on a savings account in anticipation of any un eventualities. Such money comes in handy in case one were to lose their job.

Not to depend on my employer; A side hustle comes in handy to generate passive income. Many employers are to lay off workers; however such side hustles can help fill the gap; Its also one way to plan for life after employment.

Never to take anything for granted; I have learnt to treasure the usual privileges I have been enjoying on a daily like driving to work, going to church, jumping on a boda boda to run an errand; taking my children to he park; hanging our with friends; going shopping in the mall, even downtown. All these have been removed during lockdown and I have learnt to treasure them more.

Family is key in one’s life; When all other things that clutter our lives and make them busy are taken away, we have to go to our families for comfort, love and dependence. The question is what relationship do we have with our families i.e. spouse, children etc. Do they really value us; have we taken time to be with them or is work more important. Remember a time will come when all other things don’t matter and only family can be there with you.

Consultancy is my ideal job; I have realized that sitting at office is limiting me from doing so much more. I can ably handle my present job as a consultancy and while at home and ably coordinate so many other projects effectively. Am seriously thinking about this.

Nothing in this world is impossible; I could not believe schools, churches, transport system would all close for several days and life would still continue normally. I still cant believe all downtown businesses are closed and all is in check……

Technology is key for the spread of gospel and the future church; Even after churches reopen, they may need to invest more in technology as many believers out there may not be able to meet physically for fellowship; however such technological platforms like Facebook. you tube and the rest come in handy to reaching out to such people.