President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been advised by “his scientists” to extend the lockdown for another two weeks.
The health experts on Covid-19 Task Force told Museveni that if he rushes to lift the lockdown at a time the country is still recording hundreds of cases and deaths, Uganda is likely to slip into the 3rd wave considering that members of the public don’t observe SOPs and a majority of the population are not vaccinated.
According to statistics only 1 million Ugandans out of 44 have received Covid-19 jabs.
Uganda is shipping in more 600,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine from USA.
While meeting the scientists on Monday, Museveni expressed concerns that economy is bleeding and will worsen should he extend the lockdown.
He also told the scientists that he had received intelligence that some political groups have been mobilizing to wage anarchy if he doesn’t reopen the country. However, he said, the scientists should leave the issues of security to him.
A source privy to the meeting said that Museveni said he would consult the ministers who head different sectors before implementing the 14-days extension as advised by the experts.
The President’s Press Secretary Lindah Nabusayi has Tuesday morning announced that Museveni will address the nation on July 31 (Saturday) at 8pm on Covid-19 related issues.
Asked if the President has resolved to extend the lockdown, Ms Nabusayi said she didn’t have any details.
However, with in 14 days, the experts asked for a phased manner of lockdown in which a few businesses should be reopened that don’t attract huge gatherings.
“Other guidelines remain until end of 14 days. That is what the President will discuss with the ministers before addressing the nation on Saturday,” said a source.
But, according to a separate State House source, the decision to unlock Uganda entirely relies on the President after weighing several options.
“Even after consulting ministers and the scientists, 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, cash flow and others,” a source added.
On numerous occasions, Museveni has surprised the Covid-19 Task Force by changing the address on camera contrary to the agreed position.
