Entropy in the ‘entrepot’: Examining the challenges of relief supply chains during COVID-19 pandemic relief item distribution operation-2020 in Uganda

Background: The study focuses on the challenges encountered during distribution of food and face-mask items first COVID-19 lock-down by various relief supply chain actors. Methods: Data were collected from forty (40) actors through online (via zoom telephones) face-to-face interviews, between January 2021 to March 2021. was coded based per-determined themes after which it further processed using Atlas ti. v7.57 generate patterns. Results: established related needs identification, procurement, warehousing, transportation, handling, beneficiary verification, last-mile distribution. Additionally, media politics coupled with emergence new governance issues part identified. Conclusions: identified internal external chain; hence could have control over some while others beyond their control. findings inform practitioners policymakers what are likely affect operations, especially a pandemic, design appropriate coping mechanisms