Masks are a good safeguard, but should not be restricted - Besigye

HEALTH  VIRUS

KAMPALA - Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) former president, Dr. Kizza Besigye, has welcomed the use of face masks as the lockdown is being eased but rubbished the decision to force government masks on Ugandans.

"Post-lockdown popular use of masks is a good safeguard. However, there's no scientifically specified type of non-medical masks. If Ugandan scientists have recommended specifications, they should be published and whoever wants produces. Forcing "government" masks on all is unacceptable and illegal," Besigye noted in a tweet.

During his national address on Monday evening, President Yoweri Museveni directed that each of the Ugandans aged six years and above will be given a free mask as a way of helping in safeguarding against the spread of COVID-19. The mask must be won at all times in public.

But the President said these masks would be distributed from district to village level, and that this is expected to be done by June 2 (within two weeks' time).

In the latest eased measures, Museveni said public transport and private cars would be allowed to move, students in candidate classes and university finalists will be allowed back, and market vendors were allowed to commute daily. Shops apart from those in arcades and malls were also allowed to open.

However, the President said this can only be allowed after government has distributed masks to all Ugandans aged six years and above within two weeks.

The President's directives have enlisted mixed reactions from the public, with some saying that they are confusing, while others claimed it was a veiled way of extending the lockdown for two more weeks. Some motorists had today morning driven out of their homes wearing masks procured from private business entities, but they were stopped by police and ordered to go back home.

As a result, the President is set to address the country once again to clarify on his directives, which have also generated a lot of debate on social media.

In a tweet this morning, senior Presidential Press secretary, Don Wanyama, said; "After receiving lots of feedback from the public on his address last evening, President Museveni will today, at 8:00pm, hold a televised address to respond to some of the issues. Tune in."

Two weeks ago, the President lifted some lockdown measures which included opening of wholesale shops, garages and shops for vehicle spare parts.

Besides these, all other measures remain in place including learners staying at home, places of worship, bars and night clubs remaining closed as well as maintaining of the curfew.