As part of risk management in this capitalist world, you are not advised to go out for a walk or run without some cash on you just in case. I usually grab a 10k or 20k note as I get out for a run.
This morning, I did 10 kilometers and became very exhausted. With my Ugx. 10k, I branched to a supermarket and got some sweets, water, and other niceties to reward myself for the job well done. If you do not invest in yourself, no one will. I remained with a balance of Ugx. 1k. That is about the US $0.3.
As I walked back home, I met a man, in his early-40s, looking frail like one in the late 50s. After exchanging pleasantries, he told me, “this Coronavirus has left me in tatters.” I turned and looked at him, what do you mean by that? “My bar was locked down. And it has been worse every day that goes by. Now it is too late to recover. The rent bill too big for me to pay and I have had to close it. I let everything go to my creditors and was not enough. The debts keep following me everywhere I go. That is why I move with my head facing down! Now I cannot even buy breakfast!”
I said, oh sorry. I had Ugx. 10k but remaining with just Ugx. 1k, I know it is useless. Maybe we meet again and discuss how I can help you. “Give me that Ugx. 1k”, he said. I got it from my pocket and handed it to him.
He received it with two hands. Smiled and thanked profusely. Now let me go and enjoy breakfast.
As he moved further away from me, I heard him say “thank God for this morning breakfast.”
It is so good to make someone smile, and it is not expensive. Be on the lookout for any opportunity to do something to improve someone’s life.
Copyright Mustapha B Mugisa, 2020. All rights reserved.
