No need to abuse the Speaker

OPINION

By Sam Obbo

Rational and irrational debate on Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga's views on the coronavirus is still taking centre stage in the print, electronic and on social media.

Sadly, the bulk of views, especially on social media, have been insulting. Some commentators have described the Rt. Hon. Kadaga; US pharmacologist Prof. Sarfaraz Niaz and biochemist Matthias Magoola as a trio that is buoyed by pecuniary interest! Some have even had the audacity to describe them as quacks who lack intellect and integrity.

Hell was literally let loose on Tuesday, this week when the Speaker announced that Prof. Sarfaraz, a revered scientist in the United States, had teamed up with a local biochemist to help Uganda produce [various] medicines (for diverse ailments) and a sanitiser.

The latter would instantly kill the coronavirus. Eager to reveal this piece of news, the Speaker's emphasis was on ‘cure'; meaning that if the disinfectant could immediately knock out the virus, then Ugandans and other people elsewhere would have literally been cured of the killer.

The fact is and remains that a variety of drugs is to be manufactured by Magoola's DEI Group.

Fact 2: The pharmaceutical firm is to churn out the novel sanitiser, which is supposed to keep Ugandans safe from instant infection — should the virus venture into and control Uganda's airspace.

Fact 3: Is that the industries alluded to are being given a lease of life by Prof. Sarfaraz. Besides giving Uganda a free patent for the unique disinfectant, the acclaimed academic and pharmacist was in the country to guide DEI management on how best they can produce acceptable medicines and how they can get approval from America's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other bodies in Europe.

What I am trying to say? The tirade against the Speaker is uncalled for. Her agenda was and is still anchored on the wellbeing of Ugandans, but not on engaging in unprincipled insults/wars.

Sam Obbo, Press Secretary to the Speaker of Parliament