Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday appointed a committee to enforce the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions as infections and deaths surge in the East African country.
In a televised address, Ruth Aceng, minister of health, said the committee chaired by a senior military officer will support the enforcement of all presidential directives and health ministry Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
“The president and chair of the national task force, having observed the poor compliance to his directives and ministry of health SOPs meant to guide us and help prevent infections has appointed a multi-sectoral technical task force to coordinate all sectors, institutions, and organizations,” said Aceng, noting that the committee is headed by Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Muheesi.
The committee is composed of members from the ministry of health, universities, police, and military.
The minister said the team will among others support the nationwide distribution of face masks and enforce their proper usage in the community.
President Museveni has several times warned that the country will register a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases if the public does not take precautionary measures.
Social distancing is also a challenge as crowds still gather especially in the shopping areas in the capital Kampala. Politicians are also been asked to exercise caution and not gather crowds even as the country gears up for a political season
The appointment of the committee comes at a time when the country is registering an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. The country as of Aug. 13, has registered 1,353 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 1,141 recoveries and 11 deaths since March 21 when the index cases were recorded, according to the ministry of health figures.
