WAKISO DISTRICT: There were celebrations and ululations as  residents of Bwaise, Kawempe, Kagoma, Matuga defied COVID-19 rules on social distancing and waited for hours to catch a glimpse and wave to the President as he made his way to Matugga in Wakiso district. 

President Museveni who was accompanied by the Kenya Vice President Williams Ruto were today presiding over a ceremony to lay a foundation stone for the construction of a multibillion Biological Drugs and mRNA Vaccine Manufacturing Facility at Matuga-Wakiso District. The ceremony was held under the theme,"Making Africa self sustaining in Health Care, a giant leap’.

As they made their way, the crowds surged towards his convoy to wave to him and confirm his presence in the car. The President waved back but did not get out of his car or even stop.

Since last week, various fake social media reports by unscrupulous people claiming that the President had contracted COVID19 and been rushed to a Germany hospital where he died from have been making rounds, creating fear and anxiety among the public. 

Since announcing a total lock down, President Museveni cut down his public engagements and has been conducting virtual meetings including hosting the World Health Summit in Munyonyo, a virtual UN Food Summit at Entebbe State House and chairing various meetings including Cabinet and swearing in some ministers.

“The President announced a total lockdown and therefore cut down on his public engagements. Most of his work has been through virtual meetings and radio and televisions. Those creating unnecessary fear and panic among the public by spreading fake news are criminals intent on causing havoc. UCC should investigate social media abuse and take action,” Nabusayi Lindah Wamboka, the Senior Press Secretary to the President said.

Nabusayi assured the public that the President is safe and encourages Ugandans to continue following the SOPs by the Ministry of Health in the fight against COVID19.

“He is safe and carrying on his duties scientifically. Tomorrow, virtually, he will be officially opening the commemoration of the African Integration Day in his capacity as the President of Uganda and Champion of Regional Integration in Africa among other meetings. Please don’t believe everything you see or read on social media,” she said.

#ENDS…