Muhanga asks politicians to protect population from COVID

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Caucus spokesperson Margaret Muhanga who is also the Burahya Country Member of Parliament has cautioned politicians against risking the lives of millions of Ugandans in the current campaigns for the 2021 general elections.

Muhanga noted that the death of Rehema Watongola the Kamuli Municipality legislator on Saturday as a result of COVID-19 should be a wake-up call.

"The death of Rehema Watongola should honestly be an eye-opener to our politicians who are risking the lives of millions of Ugandans by enticing and encouraging crowds and processions in campaigns. My heartfelt condolences to her family," Muhanga said.

Watongola died on Saturday morning while receiving treatment at Mulago National Referring Hospital where she had been rushed to.

Early this month, Muhanga lost a relative Chris Ibaale; a lawyer and son to her eldest sister, Olive K. Muhanga to COVID-19.

On Saturday, President Yoweri Museveni who is the NRM flag bearer cautioned politicians against rallies warning that COVID-19 was real. The President noted that the growing number of infections in the country had stopped him from holding public rallies.

"Current circumstances (COVID-19) do not allow me to do rallies. Although I am also campaigning, I call upon my colleagues to desist from endangering our people no matter the reason. The ones in charge should also see to it that Ugandans' lives are protected," Museveni noted.

The Electoral Commission (EC) also warned the candidates against holding public rallies and asked the Police to rein in on the candidates.

By Sunday, Uganda had 16,020 cumulative confirmed cases with 145 COVID-19 deaths.