During today’s session, Members of Parliament were concerned with the tagging of the lifting of the lockdown on the distribution of masks to the public all over the country.
Kawempe North MP Hon Latif Sebaggala doubted government’s capability to distribute masks around the whole country in two weeks. He argued that the government should allow people to move with the masks they have purchased for themselves.
In support of Sebaggala’s submission, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga said the manufacture of masks should not be limited to only Nytil but to all companies that have the capacity to produce them.
“Now that govt is to provide masks to Ugandans, I seek to know how ordinary companies and young people making masks can benefit. The issue of equity in the procurement of masks should be clear and transparent. If NYTILis good, let it compete with other companies,” Kadaga said.
She, therefore, directed the Minister for Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng to appear before Parliament tomorrow and give a brief about the issue.
President `Kaguta Museveni yesterday eased lockdown but tagged it on wearing of masks all the time given one is in the public. He revealed that the government will provide them to all Ugandans aged six years and above free of charge.
The said masks will be produced by Nyanza Textile Industries Limited (NYTIL).