Kilak North MP, Gilbert Olanya has called on the Ministry of Health to recommend to Government to postpone the forth coming 2021 general elections due to fears of COVID-19 commonly known as coronavirus.
Olanya made the remarks yesterday in response to a statement by the Ministry of Health, updating the country on coronavirus where the Minster of State for Primary Health Care, Moriku Kaducu insisted that Uganda has not confirmed any cases of coronavirus but the country remains on high risk because of the country’s open visitation policy.
The Minister told Parliament that although Uganda has no confirmed case, some African nations like Tunisai, Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria and Algeria have confirmed cases with over 4000 deaths registered globally.
She said that all travelers from high risk countries entering Uganda are required to take mandatory tests and isolation namely those from; China, Italy, France, Iran, Singapore, Germany, South Korea, United States and warned Ugandans against handshakes and also avoid crowds.
“The public should stop taking self-medication for flue and cough. Public should delay travel to countries that have many patients with corona virus, if you must travel follow WHO organization. Corona virus is knocking on each door, remain vigilant and alert,” said Minister Kaducu.
The warning towards Ugandans avoiding crowds prompted MP Olanya to question if the Ministry of Health is looking at recommending against upcoming elections, saying very soon the country is going into active politics where large gatherings are going to be held yet among the pre-cautions given by ministry of health as measures to guard them from contracting and spreading the virus is for the public to desist from large gathering.
“We shall be moving up and down, what advise are you giving to Government, shouldn’t we postpone coming elections?” the lawmaker suggested.
Violet Adome (Katakwi Woman) wants government to borrow a leaf from countries that have banned travels and big gathering as a measure of preventing the spread of the virus since Uganda still lacks the capacity and human resource to handle the virus in case it surfaces.
In response, Minister Kaduchu told Parliament that the Prime Minister, Ruhakana Rugunda had constituted a committee that is to discuss on how to handle the upcoming big events including conferences that call for people that come from abroad.
She said that at the moment, government can’t stop public gathering though are giving guidelines to organizers on the do’s and don’ts when handling such gatherings.
