August 4, 2021 MPs at Namatala health centre in Sironko
Swayed by a notable public outcry over government s wobbly handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 11th parliament took an outsize interest in the country’s preparedness to contain the spread of infections in the second and anticipated third wave.
After weeks of on-the-ground visits to health facilities in the central, east, north and western Uganda, MPs have found a much unprepared, underfunded and frail healthcare system almost two years after the pandemic broke out.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among named about 40 MPs on a fact-finding mission to establish the readiness and capability of government to contain the raging second wave and anticipated third wave of Covid-19. The MPs monitored vaccination, case management and surveillance in facilities that get government funding.
Museveni directs army to take over govt projects
July 8, 2021 President Museveni
President Museveni has directed the Health and Education ministries to use the army construction brigade to undertake government dvelopment projects.
In his July 1, 2021 letter addressed to the minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni and minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng, Museveni notes with concern that many government projects are taking too long to be completed due to the lengthy procurement process and other challenges like corruption by some unscrupulous government workers.
“I am very certain we can avoid all these delays in implementing government construction projects by utilizing the army construction brigade to undertake the works,” Museveni stressed.
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Why poor Ugandans are losing Covid fight
July 7, 2021 Children wearing makeshift face masks. Photo credit: @MakomaNation
Across the country, many people with Covid-19, especially the poor, are staying away from hospitals. The fear of financial ruin from hospital bills has kept many away – preferring instead to lean on private home medical care and natural treatment regimens.
More than a respiratory infection, Covid-19 has laid bare our dire financial straits and the shortcomings of government’s preparedness and response to the pandemic. Many impoverished people lack access or cannot afford the basics, which can shield them from infection, despite billions of shillings spent.
COVID-19: Brutal third wave hits Africa, as shots lag taipeitimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from taipeitimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.