Ugandan students in Wuhan China have revealed that there is general lack of necessities including protective masks/gear, putting them at risk of catching the deadly diseases.
The students’ concerns are contained in a statement tabled before Parliament by Latif Ssebagala (Kawempe North), who said that he had been bombarded by messages from the concerned students.
“It is hard for such students to access their University since services have been stopped around the campus. The skyrocketing price of commodities has worsened because many shops have closed and don’t have access. There is no more supply in their dormitories,” Ssebagala’s statement read in part.
It added: “It is our plea that government uses it diplomatic engagement to allow for a timely evacuation exercise because many other countries have evacuated their students.”
The students also called on Government to consider financial support to them to cope up with situation and that all students have been quarantined for two weeks now which confirm their health condition.
Kampala central MP, Muhammad Nsereko said that all Ugandans trapped in China are under threat of dying of starvation, adding that for one to be trapped in a foreign land, evidently the hosting nations puts more emphasis on attending to its nationals first.
Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa informed Parliament that the matter was discussed in cabinet and a team was put in place comprising of Minister of Health, Minister of Education and Minister of Foreign Affairs who were tasked to find possible ways to make sure Ugandans trapped in Wuhan are safe and weigh options of either evacuating them or sending logistics to them.
“We have to work with Government of China to accept our proposals. The parents and entire country would like to know what government has decided to do. We can issue a statement tomorrow of what government has decided. We are working closely with Chinese Government so we provide whatever is required,” Nankabirwa said.
However, Paul Mwiru (Jinja East) rejected the proposal of sending logistics to China, saying China that Ugandan Government is relying on has threatened to kill its own people if they fail to contain the virus.
Kadaga told Nankabirwa that Government needs to move swiftly and provide the basic needs to Ugandans trapped in Wuhan as cabinet continues organizing its meetings in the night.
“This country deserves more serious answers. I am demanding that the Prime Minister comes and addresses both on interim measures of repatriating them or treating them from there. Brief us on situation of students,” Kadaga said.
By press time, the China corona virus had killed more than 1,000 people globally since the outbreak began, according to authorities with more than 40,000 infected.
