By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
Judith Nabakooba Uganda’s Minister of Information, Communications Technology (ICT) and government spokesperson has said government is concerned about the laxity by the Ugandans who continue to disregard COVID-19 guidelines that they will force the government to bring back total restrictions to mitigate the diverse effects of Corona virus Pandemic.
Minister Nabakooba told, The Homeland Newspaper that, it is unfortunate to see some people playing games not adhering to the true guidelines put by government to stop the spread of Corona virus despite the few deaths and rising community infections.
“Many people are still failing to go by the preventive measures provided by government in the efforts to limit the contagion” Nabakooba said.
Nabakooba said Uganda’s government is concerned about the situation in Kampala where all key markets and shops in down town are no longer following the recommended measures. She appealed to Ugandans to reflect on their attitude towards COVID-19.
Nabakooba said Ugandans ought to understand that it is their responsibility to protect themselves and the lives of their loved ones by adhering to guidelines against COVID-19.
She said, Uganda has 4 confirmed covid-19 deaths registered in a period of 2 weeks with more than 50 positive cases registered over the same period.
Nabakooba noted that if the prevailing situation is not reversed, government may opt to reinstate stringent restrictive measures if there is no tangible change.
“I want to call upon market leaders all over the country to enforce the wearing of masks, washing hands with soap for everyone including social distancing. I also want to remind all arcade operators to always go by the operating guidelines that they agreed upon.” Nabakooba said.
Before a directive to authorize re-opening of business operations in arcades was issued, a set of guidelines including mandatory wearing of face masks and washing of hands at entrances were issued as preventive measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.
All these measures, Nabakooba said have been ignored, putting lives of many Ugandans at risk.
Judith Nabakooba added that the government will soon start enforcing the wearing of face masks and there will be no excuses for not wearing one since government has been distributing free masks. She said so far, about 8 million masks have been distributed countrywide ever since the exercise started.
She also reminded private car user to adhere to existing guidelines against covid-19 that were issued by President Museveni.
In his latest nation address, private cars were authorized to carry only a maximum of four passengers including the driver, and they all must put on face masks. She said it has come to government’s attention that majority of the private car users are no longer complying with this directive.
Judith Nabakooba warned all politicians who are preparing to engage in political campaigns, to stick to the guidelines set by Ministry of Health in prevention of COVID-19 and ensure protection of people by avoiding crowds to avoid the risk of infection.
“It’s our duty to make Uganda safe for all of us”.Nabakooba said
