Some of the NRM carders that combed door-to-door votes for President Yoweri Museveni in Busia town have started to sensitise residents on COVID-19.

Team, Busia NRM community joint group, led by NRM medalist Fatuma Nasanga Masiga said they don't want people to succumb to COVID-19 because they need their votes in the 2026 general elections.

The group has teamed up with Busia Red Cross branch to ensure that the members of the public, strictly adhere to the ministry of health's standard operations procedures (SOPs).

They have already secured masks for the vulnerable people in all the 24 villages in Busia municipality according to Madina Naguja a member.

Stephen Mugeni Wasike LC5 Busia(right) handing over face masks to George Barasa LC1 Nangwe shops village

" The face masks have been given to the village and parish chairpersons where the vulnerable people can access them," said Stephen Asango another member.

Briefing journalists jointly, the acting district police commander Busia, Tonny Ondongokara said residents have become complacent in regards to wearing face masks and washing their hands, leading to exposure to COVID-19.

"It's disturbing to understand that some mature people that know very well that the pandemic is now in their midst, still want to be told by the police to wear face masks," Odongkara said.

Stephen Mugeni Wasike, the district chairperson said, the district COVID-19 tasks force has divided itself into five groups to move in all the sub-counties, town councils and divisions to sensitise residents on observing SOPs.

(L-R) Fatuma Nasanga Masaiga, Stephen Mugeni Wasike LC5 Busia and Madina Naguja

Mugeni however, noted that they cannot immediately start the mobilisation because the district is financially constrained.

Residents, Sarah Akello and James Ouma welcomed the initiative by the NRM party carders to mobilise residents on fighting COVID-19.

Akello urged residents to ensure that they do not spread the disease while mobilising others.