Kampala, Uganda | URN | President Yoweri Museveni has said that he has played his part in containing the spread of coronavirus disease and can no longer take the blame if Ugandans start dying of COVID-19.
Mr. Museveni said people have not died in Uganda because initially, his directives were followed to the latter which led to a few people being hospitalized. He however said with the ever-rising numbers which currently stand at 657, it might be very hard to stop deaths.
His caution comes amid an increased number of COVID-19 community cases reported by the Ministry of Health coupled with the laxity amongst the population, the majority of whom have ignored advice to maintain social distance, wear face masks or even stay at home. Despite the increase in cases, the city is crowded and the streets are filled up.
“Those who were healed were healed because the numbers in the treatment centres were few and the doctors could concentrate on them. I appeal to you Ugandans for those whose activities we have opened up, observe the social distance, I beg you for the sake of yourself. Keep the distance, put on the mask don’t go in public without a mask.
Read Also: All Ministers to be tested for COVID-19, President Museveni orders
The mask is not very comfortable but medicine apart from that of children is bitter,” President Museveni said as he presided over the National Heroes Day celebrations at State House, Entebbe on Tuesday 9th, June 2020. He added that he is disturbed by images of Ugandans disregarding all the preventive measures against the coronavirus.
Mr. Museveni said although his ministry of health officials were planning for health facilities with 9,000-bed capacity, he advised them to plan for 40,000-bed capacity and that places like Namboole stadium are being prepared to treat a big number of people if cases continue to rise. But he warned, “if the numbers are too big, then they will overwhelm even the big place we have prepared.”
The president added that Ugandan scientists are in advanced stages of looking for a coronavirus vaccine. He however cited corruption as the biggest impediment to the process. “Parasites go to hell; I’m really tired of those people who don’t care about the country but themselves,” President Museveni said.
Meanwhile, President Museveni did not address himself to the measures he put in place to fight COVID-19 which are expiring today. For example, a ban on the opening of arcades, churches, mosques, saloons and the nighttime curfew which starts at 7pm.
Today’s Heroes’ Day celebrations were supposed to be held in Lyantonde district however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was shifted to State House. Esther Mbayo, the Minister for the Presidency said that even people who had been vetted to receive medals this year couldn’t receive them because of the same issue.
