Coronavirus still here and its dangerous - Museveni

Jul 20, 2020

is expected to address the nation on Tuesday to give an update on the country’s efforts in fighting the spread of COVID-19 pandemic

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has flagged off 25 vehicles donated to the COVID-19 Response Team to help in the fight against the spread of coronavirus in the country.

During the function that took place on Saturday at Kololo Independence Grounds, President Yoweri Museveni warned Ugandans about the coronavirus disease saying it is still here and very dangerous.

"This disease is one of the biggest challenges to the human race. We have not had this kind of problem before," the President said.

He warned that because of the mobility of people traveling from one destination to another, the disease can spread anywhere quickly.

"People who are joking with the disease are playing with fire. Over 13 million people have been infected and half a million people have died globally, so this is not a joke," he warned.

The President revealed that as of Saturday, Uganda had registered 1062 positive cases of COVID-19 out of 238,000 total tests. He said 1023 people have recovered and discharged from hospital with no death yet.

Museveni attributed this success mainly to Ugandans who have continuously listened to the government's message and advise to minimise the infections and control the spread not forgetting the health workers who are at the front line of fighting the pandemic.

"I want to congratulate Ugandans for listening to our message and doing what we advised them to minimise the infections and save the few infected," he said.

He revealed that some health workers, who were initially infected by the virus and healed, were again re-infected when they returned to hospital to work.

"This disease is not a joke, apparently it can attack you again. I thank those who take the disease seriously and avoiding to endanger those around them," he said.

The President commended the COVID-19 response team for a job well done and thanked everyone who has donated to this noble cause. "I thank you for donating and I know that when you give, God blesses you."

He appealed to all Ugandans and well-wishers to donate more and more and assured them that their money is in safe hands and will do what it is supposed to do.

Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda said that everyone has a responsibility to fight and defeat the virus. He commended the health workers and the political leadership led by the President for guiding the country well during this period.

Task force chairman Emmanuel Katongole with minister Mary Karooro Okurut. PPU Photo

"I salute the health workers, political leadership headed by the President and those who have donated to the response team. The pandemic is still with us but we should defeat it and every one of us has a responsibility," Rugunda said.

Minister Mary Karooro Okurut who is the political head on the COVID-19 response team thanked the President and the government for their exemplary and strategic leadership during the pandemic. She appreciated all those who have come out to donate to the cause.

"God helps those who help themselves. Ugandans have been creative during this period and now the country can make masks, sanitisers etc," Karooro said.

The chairman of the COVID-19 response team, Emmanuel Katongole revealed that so far sh51.3b has been donated as of July 17th, out of which sh34b are non-cash donations. He added that 70 vehicles have been donated so far including the 25 flagged off at the ceremony.

"The last three months have seen what Ugandans can do when they come together. Despite COVID-19, Ugandans have done donations from big to small, companies to individuals, from bodaboda riders to school children. This is inspiring," Katongole said.

He revealed that they are going to use part of the money to construct holding facilities at 9 entry points of this country, buy 100 vehicles for upcountry hospitals, and build a blood bank in Soroti Hospital.

Museveni is expected to address the nation on Tuesday to give an update on the country's efforts in fighting the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

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