Youths want COVID-19 Test cost reduced

YOUTH|COVID-19|TESTING COSTS

KAMPALA - The National Youth Council (NYC) leaders want the government to review the COVID-19 testing costs, saying they are high compared to what youths earn.

Testing is important in the fight against COVID-19, but the costs have remained high, even after many people losing their livelihoods during the lockdown, Kiconco Brenda, secretary female affairs said in a presser at Makerere University.

"We, therefore, urge the government to review the costs because most of the youths cannot afford the current rates of testing on multiple occasions while others cannot afford any at all," Kiconco said.

She added that testing ranges between 350,000 to 180,000 shillings yet many youths don't even earn 50,000 shillings a month.

Kiconco urged political actors to provide leadership to supporters in pursuit of the SOPs for a safe election environment.

They also cautioned youths to desist against violence or acts that can attract violent reactions during the election period.