KAMPALA – Uganda will conclude her general elections on 3rd February, 2021.
Speaking to the media this afternoon, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon Judith Nabakooba has acknowledged that during the campaign period, there was a lot of laxity regarding the prevention of COVID-19 which has led to an increase in confirmed cases among Ugandans.
As of today, Uganda stands at 39,533 confirmed cases of covid19 with 324 deaths whereby Kampala area with its neighboring districts of Wakiso, Mukono account for 50 percent of all cases countrywide.
The minister has called upon Ugandans to continue being vigilant and refocus their energies towards the fight against COVID-19 before the disease overwhelms the health sector.
She also asked countrymen and women to support the existing government programs such as wealth creation and youth livelihood funds among others to foster economic development.
The minister has reminded the public that the Communication from the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo on contolling crowds in and around the courts of law during elections petitions activities is meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen the existing SOPs.
“Going forward, we have all been advised to stay away from the courts of law limiting presence to only the immediate parties and their lawyers.”
Reopening of schools for all learners to allow physical interactions is still on hold apart from those in candidate classes.
Nabakooba has warned schools that are secretly violating Government’s guidance emphasizing that students in non-candidate classes should stick on using scientific methods of learning because the conditions in places such as hostels and dormitories for boarding schools are a dark spot for the spread of covid19.
“Some hostels accommodate three times the number of students per room.
Other schools and higher institutions of learning do not have running water and are not doing well on the laid down Standard Operating Procedures.”
As the country waits for guidance from scientists and His Excellency the President, Nabakooba has revealed that yesterday Ministry of Education briefed the NRM caucus meeting about the state of preparedness to resume normal operations in academic institutions countrywide and that a full report will be presented to the cabinet tomorrow.
Last week, Government of Uganda launched a locally made covid19 drug which is undergoing clinical trials at Mulago National Refferal Hospital. This is hope to the full resumption of normal business in all sectors of the economy.
The minister has also confirmed that Government and security forces have received intelligence information that there are some individuals intimidating people, planning to cause chaos and eventually shut down the country between the 3rd and 7th February 2021.
The country is safe and security will work fast to arrest anyone planning to create chaos, Nabakooba said.
NOTE: Because we have the power to prevent covid19, continue washing your hands with soap all the time, wear your face mask when out in public with friends or family and remember that COVID-19 kills.
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