KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni will address the country on Tuesday, guiding the nation on the next step amid rising coronavirus cases.
Uganda has consistently reported low numbers of daily COVID-19 positive cases, however, in recent days; it has begun reporting increasing numbers of cases, particularly in Kampala, raising concern among authorities.
Both government and private bodies including UNRA, Finance Ministry, New Vision, KCCA, OPM Toyota among others have all reported coronavirus infections.
The president last week said Covid-19 is advancing at supersonic speeds in Kampala partly due to the laxity of the city dwellers whom he said have given up in the fight against Coronavirus.
He remarked that citizens in the Capital have relaxed allowing the virus to spread at an alarming rate.
On Monday, the Ministry of Health reported 99 new COVID-19 cases, with Kampala accounting for more than half of the cases.
Kampala (17) also accounts for more than 75 percent of COVID-19 related deaths registered in the country (22).
Uganda has recorded a total of 2,362 COVID-19 cases as of August 24.
Government on weekend expressed concern on the distribution of sub-standard masks among the 13 million that have been given out to communities so far.
Speaking to the media, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Judith Nabakooba revealed that government will crack down on the manufacturers of these sub standard masks and terminate their contracts immediately.
“The government is getting feedback that some of the masks being produced by some of the companies contracted are of poor quality and do not meet the standards issues by the Ministry of Health. This is a big disappointment on the side of the suppliers entrusted with the responsibility of producing quality face masks meant to save lives of Ugandans” Minister Nabakooba said.
“Government is going to follow up with the respective suppliers and those found guilty of producing substandard masks are at risk of having their contracts cancelled.” She added.
Minister Nabakooba called out to all communities that haven’t received face masks to be patient as efforts are ongoing to have them supplied to the respective local governments.