SAD: Scores Of Ministers Contract COVID 19, Government Suspends Cabinet Meetings

By SMN REPORTER

KAMPALA, Uganda|SHIFTMEDIA| Government has suspended all Cabinet meetings until campaigns are complete due to reports that scores of Ministers have contracted the deadly COVID19.

A senior minister (names withheld) revealed that the numbers of ministers infected is so worrying.  “It doesn’t come as a surprise because the ministers were campaigning for the party primaries that had crowds,” said the Minister who asked not to be named.

Media has in recent weeks relayed videos of ministers such as Dr Jane Ruth Aceng (Health), Evelyn Anite (Privatisation), Haruna Kasolo (Microfinance) among others campaigning in presence of huge crowds.

A State House source confirmed that President Museveni (below) has suspended forthwith cabinet meetings that are always held every Monday. “The President said Cabinet can meet to address emergency and urgent issues, but while using zoom,” said the source.

Some were seen not even observing the laid down SOPs of social distancing and wearing of masks.

This comes at a time when the number of COVID 19 cases has surpassed 17,000 with at least 168 deaths registered so far.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health for tests done on Friday showed the highest number of deaths (10) in a day and 283 people infected in Kampala alone.

This week over 1,174 new COVID-19 cases have been reported. The highest number of community infections in the country are being recorded in Kampala at the moment with an average of 100 cases reported daily.

Dr. Rose Byanyima, the deputy executive director at Mulago and also the head of the COVID-19 treatment unit says that people need to take precautions and avoid falling sick.

“The more cases we get the more deaths. At a time like this it’s important for people to wear their masks and wash their hands,” said Dr. Byanyima.