The Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng has come out to clear the air about pictures circulating on social media platforms of her holding a “politica rally” on July 10th without a face mask and not practicing the social distancing directive .
These pictures have led to a lot of criticism among the Ugandans on social media despite the fact that she has always advised Ugandans to follow the rules about how to stay safe from the Corona virus pandemic . The president had also ordered the security operatives to arrest whoever failed to follow these health directives meant to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
Below is her full statement refuting claims that she was holding a political rally without social distancing;
Dear All,
My attention is drawn to social media posts of pictures of me meeting crowds with no social distancing and no masks and even alleging that I was holding a political rally.
I would like to reiterate that I was not holding a political rally.
I was launching the distribution of face masks in Aromo Sub county and training people on how to properly use the masks on Friday 10 July 2020.
However, at the time, village health teams (VHTs) and other youth were also being oriented on the processes for distribution of the Long lasting mosquito net distribution near by.
They got excited when they heard about face masks, and specifically the Minister for health whom they call ‘mama Corona’ and rushed to see me. They were difficult to control as seen in the picture as many wanted to take pictures and also get masks from me.
I took time to educate these youth on the same as well as on the face masks. They left as very knowledgeable people appreciating the importance of face masks and social distancing.
As the Minister who is at the helm of the Corona response and an aspiring Woman MP of Lira District, I am cognizant of the rules and guidelines that we as government have put in place.
I continue to appeal to you all to wear your masks, maintain social distance and wash your hands with soap regularly to prevent COVID19.
Dr Jane Ruth Aceng
Minister for Health
12 July 2020.
