A committee of experts on COVID-19 has Sunday asked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to extend the lockdown for another three weeks.
The National COVID-19 Taskforce led by Prime Minister met the President Sunday morning at State House Entebbe to discuss all options on table on whether the Uganda should re-open or not.
The Taskforce comprises political leaders led by Prime Minister, Health experts represented by Dr Ruth Aceng, Security officials represented by the Deputy CDF Wilson Mbadi and IGP Okoth Ochola.
A source privy to the Sunday meeting said, after asking for three weeks the committee told Museveni to consult cabinet on Monday before he addresses the nation later in the evening at 8pm.
“The decision to re-open, extend for 21 days or reduce is up to him and his ministers,” said a source.
National Taskforce members are the men and women who are always around the President when he is making his addresses.
Asking for an extension stems from the news of two cases which re-emerged out of the communities in Masindi and Mutukula during a rapid testing survey by the Ministry of Health to assess the COVID-19 prevalence among locals in Uganda.
However, with in 21 days, they asked for a phased manner of lockdown in which a few businesses will be re-opened which include: wholesale, garages, metal and wood industry, delivery restaurants, and private offices
“Other guidelines remain until end of 21 days. That is what the President will go and discuss with cabinet tomorrow,” said a source.
But, according to a separate State House source, the decision to unlock Uganda is one of the few decisions Museveni will make in his life considering that the matter has turned from health to security and political
“Even after consulting cabinet, the President must also make his own political decision. And that decision depends on the intelligence gathered from the citizens,” said a source.
“If he is to extend the President must consider factors like the perception among Ugandans, availability of food, his popularity, cash flow and others,” a source added.
On numerous occasions, Museveni has surprised his ministers by changing the address on camera contrary to what had been discussed.
We understand that twice, the cabinet had approved a lockdown but President Museveni never announced the decision which of course created uneasiness among cabinet stop shots.
“But as a leader, there are specific decisions you made of which you only consult your instinct,” added a source.
Don Wanyama, the President’s Press Secretary when asked about Sunday meeting said, “be patient the President will address the nation tomorrow at 8pm.”
