Stop exposing people to COVID-19-Kazimba to candidates

HEALTH | POLITICS 

Aspiring political contenders vying for different seats have been cautioned against exposing the public to COVID-19 pandemic during campaigns.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda (COU), Stephen Samuel Kazimba, said candidates need to desist from mass rallies to avoid the spread of the virus.

He advised candidates to resort to using technology for their campaigns to protect the innocent population.

He said this while delivering his Christmas message at the COU Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe, Rubaga division, Kampala.

According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) statistics, Uganda's confirmed cumulative cases of COVID-19 have shot up to 27,766 with 224 deaths as of Tuesday.

Experts predict a rise to hit 100,000 cases by April 2021.

Kazimba also called on the public to avoid big gatherings and also follow the MoH Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including; wearing masks, washing hands and observing social distancing at all times, to protect lives.

"Please COVID-19 is real. We have clergy who have been infected and have told us about the challenges they faced while recovering. I thank them for sharing their stories and helping to break the stigma. We extend our sincerest condolences to all families which lost their loved ones," he noted.

He also raised concern over the increasing cases of gender based violence in families.

"This is the second pandemic this year especially during the most severe part of the lockdown. There seems to be a lot of anger inside of us that unleashes itself on the people closest to us," he added.

He said there are other ways of dealing with anger than taking it out violently on others.

"Jesus shows us a better way and how to forgiveness can break the cycle of revenge in our families and communities," Kazimba added.