By Spy Uganda
Lira: Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has sparked off an uproar on social media after holding a public meeting on Friday without observing SOPs which contravenes the Presidential directives on COVID-19.
This follows the Presidential directives set by President Museveni in May that include wearing of facemasks for all Ugandans above six years of age whenever they go in public to control the spread of the pandemic.
“It is mandatory to cover the face with a cloth masks because the virus rides on the droplets; it cannot fly by itself,” Museveni during his state of nation address on covid-19.
Following the President’s order, Minister Aceng has been at the frontline of sensitizing Ugandans to put on facemasks whenever they are moving out of their homes.
However, to people’s dismay, the minister has failed to lead by example after showing up at a public gathering without putting on a face mask.
In the photos circulating on social media, Dr. Aceng who recently declared her intention to contest for Lira district Woman MP seat is seen holding a mini rally in Lira without a face mask or observing social distancing.
Due to the above pressure, Dr. Aceng has come out to clear the air saying that she didn’t hold a political rally but she was launching the distribution of face masks in Aromo Sub county and training people on how to properly use the masks.
Minister adds that by the time she was still launching some people who were near by receiving mosquito nets they got excited when they heard about face masks, and specifically the Minister for health whom they call ‘mama Corona’ and rushed to see her which she felt difficult to control.
“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” Aceng said.
“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” She added.
