With Uganda facing a surge in number of COVID-19 infections, Doctors, under their umbrella organisation, the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) have asked the Government to institute a short period lockdown to block people from travelling upcountry for the festive season.
According to the UMA president Dr Richard Idro, majority Ugandans especially in the central business district of Kampala have become complacent in the fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic and allowing them to travel to villages during the festive season will cause an overwhelming spread of the virus.
“If nothing is done, coronavirus will spread at a faster rate due to huge numbers of people moving, yet most of the health centres are now overwhelmed,” said Idro.
He urges government to declare a lockdown from December 20 to at least January 2 2021. Earlier this week, Minister for ICT Judith Nabakooba and Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine advised Ugandans not to travel to their villages for Christmas. However, the ministry of health spokesperson Ainebyoona Emmanuel says it’s a personal choice for every Ugandan to enjoy the festive season at his/her place of choice.
Additionally, the association wants government to compensate their colleagues who have died in the line of duty since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Uganda in March 2020. Idro reveals that about fourteen (14) medical workers have succumbed to COVID-19 and over 1500 being victims of the virus.
To date, Uganda has 28,168 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 225 deaths and 10,005 recoveries.