Waiswa Henry Yoweri, who is the clerk of Uganda parliament, has on Tuesday 22nd June, issued a statement showing parliamentary seatings suspended for a fortnight over covid-19 pandemic
According to Mr. Yoweri, the parliament is like the rest of the country that has been affected by the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic with a positivity rate of 17.1%.
As a mitigating measure in the prevention of the infection, the administration of the house in consultation with the office of the speaker saw it important to have parliamentary seatings suspended for a period of two weeks in order to disinfect the buildings with the effect Monday 28th/June/2021.
‘‘Members of Parliament advised to keep away from the precincts of Parliament for two weeks effective Monday, 28 June 2021’’ said the Parliament clerk.
His statement comes after President Museveni suspended all Public and cultural gatherings including conferences for 42 days across the country as a way of controlling the spread of the second wave of Corona Virus.
The schools and institutions of high learning were also closed for 42 days effective from today June 2021 at 8:00Am.
Museveni also directed that all religious institutions including churches and mosques should suspend their activities that bring together gatherings for a period of 42 days as government monitors the situation.
Speaking to the country about the COVID-19 situation in his previous address at Nakasero, Museveni said there is need to control the rate at which the virus is spreading in the country.
According to the president, in the face of increasing virus numbers, the best option is prevention by putting strict measures to be adhered by everyone but warned that violation will attract serious reprimand.
“Violation of these measures will lead to fines. Instead of arresting people and filling jails, this time you will have to pay. Why do we waste time with arresting these people? The Secretary for treasury will issue a statutory instrument and when you violate you are fined.” He added.
During the sworn in ceremony which occurred yesterday at Kololo Independent Grounds, a number of minister missed out due to failure to comply with the state house guideline about COVID-19pandemic.
According to these guidelines, attendees were supposed to test and present negative COVID-19 results before attending the event.
Those who missed the swearing-in ceremony are; Rebecca Kadaga,the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Affairs; Babirye Milly Babalanda, the Minister for Presidency; Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the Attorney-General; the minister of Public Service, Muruli Mukasa; Foreign Affairs State Minister in Charge of Regional Affairs, John Mulimba; the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness & Refugees, Hilary Onek; Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Dr. Monica Musenero the Minister in the Office of the President.
Others were: Evelyn Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Privatization and Investment); the Minister of State for Health (Primary Health Care) Margaret Muhanga; the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs)Huda Olaro; Fred Kyakulaga, the minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (Agriculture); Henry Okello Oryem, the minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs) and Victoria Rusoke, the Minister of State for Local Government.
According to source at the parliament, some of the ministers could not attend because they are in self-isolation after getting into contact with Covid-19 positive people.
Information from corners have indicated speaker of the parliament Jacob Oulanya is battling with covid-19 though the parliament has come out to dismiss rumors.
The Director for Communication and Public Affairs at Parliament, Chris Obore has allayed fears that Speaker Jacob Oulanyah is bedridden and critical.
Obore through his social media handles indicated that the speaker is doing fine, dismissing rumors that he had been airlifted in critical condition and at the same time resting the debate regarding his continued absence.
“The Speaker is well and having time with his children at home. He has been in campaigns for more than a year. Family is as important as a national duty,” Obore said.