Kampala and Wakiso are now leading with infections—according to the ministry’s data released on Sunday.
Oyam – 19, December 2021: Uganda has registered 552 new cases of Covid-19 in two days, sparking uncertainties as Christmas looms.
Unless any decision is made in the coming days, Uganda will fully reopen its economy in January 2022, with schools opening doors on the 10th of the same month.
However, with the rising cases of the virus, and the presence of Omicron variant, it will be a nightmare to most Ugandans if government were to impose another lockdown.
Since March 2020, dozens of businesses; small, medium and large have been affected immensely by the virus’ restrictions. Majority have closed shops completely, and dozens are limping.
Workers have lost their jobs, and hundreds of thousands have no guarantee they will be readmitted by their employers when the economy stabilizes.
It was getting better, it’s now threatening!
Covid tests done on 17 December show 297 new cases. A day prior, 255 new cases were recorded, the highest since the number of daily cases had significantly reduced.
Kampala and Wakiso are now leading with infections—according to the ministry’s data released on Sunday.
290 of the new cases are “alerts and contacts”: Kampala (156), Wakiso (99), Luweero (6), Jinja (6), Arua (3), Masaka (2), Mbarara (1), Kabarole (1) and Bulambuli (1).
Other districts are: Nakasongola 91), Koboko (1), Kabale (1), Adjumani (1), Kyotera (6), Amuru (3), Tororo (1), Mbale (1).
Seven (7) were truckers from Kyotera (6) and Tororo (1).
In a statement on Omicron variant released on Saturday, Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa, Director General Health Services in the Ministry of Health had this to say:
“Number of positive cases among incoming travelers has increased from a daily average of 6 to 90 in the past 7 days.” “Omicron affects both infants and adults.”
The surge, Dr. Mwebesa, said follows the genomic sequencing of samples obtained from travelers through Entebbe International Airport between November 28th and 29th. Read more: Omicron variant
While many are expecting government not to impose another lockdown, it [lockdown] might be inevitable.
Why? A reliable source in government says President Museveni is not ready to see the country overwhelmed by the virus like it’s now in the United Kingdom and other European countries.
Speaking on condition of anonymity because of no entitlement to speak to the media, the same source adds, “Uganda has set a good record in compressing the pandemic and President Museveni has been exceptional in his guidance, he gave his scientists time and he believes in what they tell him.”
“We may have to do something to save the population and Omicron variant is threatening us. It is now with us but the ministry and the government are ready.”
In an interview with this publication on Sunday evening, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, Senior Public Relations Officer of the Health’s Ministry denies the ‘claims’.
“No. We don’t intend to lockdown ever again.”
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