COVID: How billions are spent

With the numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths soaring every day, Uganda's portion of the pandemic seems to be on a steady climb and so is the scale of expenditure on government efforts to stop the spread of the highly infectious viral disease.

There have been more than 78,394 confirmed cases of Covid-19. The virus has killed more than 903, according to official statistics released by the ministry of Health on June 25.

However, the amount of money spent in the last one year and three months to stem the spread of one of the world's largest outbreaks has largely been obscured.

But aided by the ministry of Finance-sponsored report released in May 2021 titled; "Semi-Annual Performance of the Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Package, FY 2020/21 Budget Monitoring and Accountability Unit, The Observer has been able to get an insightful sneak peek into every government intervention and Covid-19-related expenditure.

We have tracked every expenditure, contractor, items or services procured. Below are some of the expenditures.

The total budget for the multi-sectoral Covid-19 response was Shs 2,221,990,315,936 (US$ 600,535,742) from March 2020 to June 2021, according to the report.

The ministry of Health received both budget and off-budget support from various funders including World Bank, Global Fund and GAVI worth about Shs 750, 404,652,823. As of March 31, 2021, the MoH had spent about Shs 617,837,683,787 (82%) of the released funds.

The ministry of Health planned a number of interventions under eight pillars: leadership, stewardship, coordination and oversight; surveillance and laboratory; case management; strategic information, research and innovation (SIRI); risk communication and social mobilization (RCSM); community engagement and social protection initiatives; logistics; and continuity of Essential Health Services.

The report defines Covid-19 spending to "include all spending that would have not occurred in the absence of Covid-19".

"For FY 2020/21, Uganda appropriated Shs 1,240,688,628,8322 on various aspects of the economic stimulus package. The expenditures were made to Ministry of Health; Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation; Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; and Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development," the report partly suggests.

Under the economic stimulus package, a number of Covid-19 health-related outputs were planned. These included: Non-medical masks procured and distributed; ICU facilities in regional referral hospitals as Covid-19 treatment centers established; Covid-19 laboratory and testing kits procured; blood collection materials for Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) procured; Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) procured and distributed; Emergency ambulance and boats procured; Mega phones for communication procured and distributed.

Others were: Oxygen plants at Entebbe and Mulago National Referral Hospital procured and installed, furniture and fixtures procured; 20 sleeper tents procured; ICT and equipment including software procured; Border post health units including staff houses constructed; Oxygen plant house at Mulago National Referral Hospital constructed; accommodation hired to quarantine abroad returnees, Covid-19 suspects and health workers at border posts; Meals provided; fuel procured; spray pumps procured; Funds transferred to hospitals and local governments to support surveillance, contact tracing, sample collection and case management for Covid-19 patients undertaken.

The report says the above interventions were expected to translate into control of Covid-19 and reduction of transmission, morbidity and mortality in a bid to minimise the socio-economic disruption resulting from this pandemic.

The report is based on selected interventions of the Health sector that received the economic stimulus package. Monitoring involved assessment of the performance of selected treatment centres, including Mulago National Referral Hospital, Namboole National Isolation/Treatment Facility, Regional Referral Hospitals (RRHs), Testing Centres, Selected Points of Entry to Uganda and in some Local Governments (LGs) that housed quarantine centres.

It also involved assessment of Testing Laboratories such as Central Public Health Laboratories that mainly coordinated the procurement and distribution of testing kits. A total of 205 respondents from the above-mentioned facilities were interviewed.

Overall performance analysis extended to April 30 2021. Physical verification was mainly limited to the economic stimulus package extended to the Health sector under government totaling to Shs 252,004,219,6694 as at March 2021.

Here's how the ministry of Health spent the allocated money between March 2020 and March 2021.

MASKS

As a preventive measure, the MoH planned to procure non-medical masks for all individuals aged six years and above. According to the Covid-19 preparedness and response plan, the masks were expected to be procured and distributed in June, July and August 2020 and later again in March and April 2021.

The MoH signed contracts with various suppliers including Fine Spinners Ltd, Southern Range Nyanza, Graphic Systems Limited, Big Concepts Limited, Silk Events Ltd, Christex Garment Industry, Winfred Fashion Limited, among others, to produce 36,321,051 masks in various lots of which 33,728,087 masks were for community distribution, while 2,583,621 were for the candidate classes at the schools.

By 31st March 2021, the MoH had cumulatively paid out Shs 78,837,851,159 for procurement of non-medical masks, of which Shs 53 billion was paid during FY 2020/21 and Shs 25 billion paid in the previous FY 2019/20. Additionally, about Shs 594,496,282 was spent on distribution of non-medical masks to various districts.

About 36.3 millon masks were distributed to various districts across the country. Each individual, according to the report, was entitled to one mask; however some local governments distributed two masks per individual. This partially led to inadequacy of non-medical masks in various communities.

The report says a total of 3.5 million masks were procured and distributed over and above the population projections. The MoH attributed this to two reasons:

a) Variances between UBOS population projections and that on ground. ".... Oftentimes, population figures on ground are higher than the UBOS projections numbers; that is why we procure items including mosquito nets slightly above the projections to ensure that everybody is covered....." Commissioner Planning, MoH.

EMERGENCY AMBULANCE, BOATS PROCURED

About 38 ambulances worth Shs 11 billion were procured by M/s AutoZone Armor Processing Cars L.L.C through M/s City Ambulance Limited. As at 31st December, 2020, the ambulances were delivered and most deployed to various referral hospitals with each facility receiving at least two ambulances.

Ministry of Health PS Dr Diana Atwine receiving money donations earlier 

The three boat ambulances were, however, not yet deployed by February 2021 and were docked at Munyonyo under the custody of the ministry of Internal Affairs. Cumulatively, the MoH had received 104 ambulances as at 31st March 2021 supported by both the GoU and development partners.

Covid-19 TESTING KITS

In order to achieve the Covid-19 testing targets, the MoH planned to procure a total of 2,804,515 testing kits and sample collection materials throughout the Covid- 19 response period. As at 31st March 2021, the MoH had committed and spent about Shs 29.7 billion on procurement of test kits and sample collec- tion materials for Covid-19 screening.

The service providers were Africa Bio System Uganda Limited; M/s Microhaem Scientifics and Medical Supplies Limited. The Africa Bio System Uganda Limited procured kits worth Shs 4.6 billion and delivered them to UVRI in September 2020. The UVRI also received Shs 146,400,000 for testing kit's evaluations (tests for the validity and reliability of test kits).

M/s Microhaem Scientifics and M/s Medical Supplies supplied kits worth Shs 6.6 billion to MoH, part of the deliveries were used to test samples collected from the Community Transmission Survey.

The MoH in addition signed two contracts for procurement of Altona Covid-19 laboratory testing kits (bundle) for mobile laboratory testing and reagents for the samples at the Points of Entry facilities, the report says.

The contracts worth Shs 4,609,181,250 and Shs 2,858,250,000 were signed between MoH; M/s Microhaem Scientifics and Medical Supplies Limited on September 8 2020 and September 30 2020 respectively. All deliveries were expected by January 31, 2021, according to the report. The latter was delivered by March 31 2021, while the former had not been delivered.

Overall, as at March 31, 2021, testing kits worth Shs 16,717,432,250 had been delivered to the Central Public Health Laboratories, Butabika and distributed to various Covid-19 testing laboratories including Tororo-Malaba, Adjumani–Elegu, UVRI, and Makerere University College of Health Sciences, among others. 

"Overall, the MoH received over 1.8 million various types of testing kits and sample collection materials from both GoU and development partners. The biggest contributor to procurement of testing kits was Global Fund at 28%, followed by GoU," the report says.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPES)

The PPEs included surgical and N95 masks, cover overalls, aprons, gloves, cotton, and boots. Contracts worth Shs 8.5 billion were procured from various service providers. By March 31, 2021, the procured PPEs were delivered. Service providers included: National Medical Stores (NMS), JMS, SA Field Industrial Logistics, and N2M Company Ltd, among others.

Through development partners - Islamic Development Bank, Global Fund, World Bank, GAVI, UNICEF, UNTAID, WHO, Private Sector, LifeBox Foundation, CNOOC, CHAI, JICA, and IOM Japan, among others, PPEs worth over Shs 30 billion were procured, delivered and distributed to various entities.

SLEEPER TENTS PROCURED

The MoH contracted M/s Lumious Uganda Limited on June 22, 2020 at Shs 3,846,800,000 with an expected delivery date of July 15, 2020. Each of the 100-capacity tents was procured at Shs 163m. As at 31st December 2020, twenty (20) tents were delivered at Namboole stadium.

It was however, established that the stadium's turf was inappropriate for anchoring the sleeper tents. They were thus redeployed to the regional referral hospitals and other entities. Three were sent to the UPDF, one at Entebbe Isolation ward, one at Entebbe GH, one at Hoima RRH, while Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Arua, Moroto, Kabale, Fort Portal each received two tents.
Installation differed by hospital, with some installing one while others had both tents installed.

None of the tents was utilised due to the decline in number of Covid-19 patients, lack of space for full installation in some hospitals, and absence of concrete slab/ platform to anchor the tents. Laboratory Medical Sundries (test kits reagents, etc) cost Shs 30 billion.

And spent about Shs 23 billion on allowances for health workers. The ministry also spent about Shs 12 billion on fuel and lubricants from VIVO Energy as at March 31, 2021. Accommodation for returnees and contacts (Quarantine facilities) chewed Shs 3.5 billion.

The MoH quarantined various people in Kampala, Entebbe and various local governments as a prevention measure. Cumu- latively, the ministry accommodated over 2,500 Covid-19 suspects and returnees in various institutions.

The institutions included: Fisheries Training Institute, Dairy Development Authority (DDA) Training Institute, Institute of Surveys and Land Management, and National Meteorological Training School, among others. Others were accommodated at hotels and hostels.

Analysis focused on the quarantined period March 2020 to December 2020, the rest were assessed during the first Covid-19 Monitoring exercise done in FY 2019/20. The following was established: Although the ministry of Health had suspended quarantine facilities and introduced home-base quarantine and isolation, there was continued engagement of hotels from July to December 2020.

The MoH attributed this to inadequate space at Namboole National Isolation and Treatment Facility at the time of arrival of some returnees.

"For example, as at 31st December 2020, Grand Global Hotel had received Shs 380,769,480 for full board accommodation for Saudi Arabia returnees from 28th July to 5th September 2020 and 180 deported returnees from Saudi Arabia. Additionally, M/s Douglas Villa Hostel Ltd was paid a total Shs 374,598,080 for accommodation of returnees from 3rd to 19th July 2020," the report partly reads.

"The MoH also accommodated health workers at two POEs; these were: Happy Home Guest House-SMC Limited which
as at 31st December 2020, received Shs 227,976,000 for the accommodation services of health workers at Malaba Port of Entry in Tororo district. La Palm Suites & Spa Limited as at 31st December 2020, had received Shs 113,988,000 for the accommodation services to health workers at Busia."

MEALS GIVEN TO Covid-19 SUSPECTS

"The MoH contracted M/s Keba Investments Limited to provide meals to the National Taskforce, quarantine and treatment centers through a framework contract. The MoH had as at 31st March 2021 cumulatively spent Shs 6,316,971,269, of which Shs 3,874,370,881 was paid for catering services provided between July to December 2020 for quarantined people and health workers at Entebbe RRH, MoH Call Centre, Fisheries Training Institute, DDA Training Institute, National Meteorological Training School, Institute of Surveys and Land Man- agement, Namboole, Kabanyole, outside catering for the National Task Force (NTF) meetings NTF sub-committees, incident management, among others.

FUEL PROCURED

"Cumulatively as at 31st March 2021, the MoH had paid M/S Vivo Energy Uganda Limited Shs 11.66 billion to supply fuel for Covid-19 operations. These included support supervision, evacuation of patients and suspects, among other activities, across the country.

SPRAY PUMPS PROCURED

The contract was awarded to M/s N2M Company Limited at a sum of Shs 530m in June 2020. The pumps were meant to aid disinfection of places, materials of Covid-19 confined places, treatment centers, homes, ambulances, among others. These included: 80 mist sprayer, 99 power sprayers and 19 transport jet pump. These were supplied to various CTUs across the country.

ICT AND EQUIPMENT

The MoH renewed the Anti-Virus Licenses for 450 users from Tech Man Computer Solutions Limited on 28th May 2020. Five desktop computers were procured from M/s Kamage Enterprises Limited at Shs 24.3m. ICT equipment was also procured for Points-of-Entry at border facilities by Nutu Investments Limited. Development of E-card for fleet management was also done.

Mutukula and Katuna Points-of-Entry (POE) confirmed receipt of ICT supplies from the MoH.

BLOOD COLLECTION MATERIALS

Due to bans on large gathering, travel restrictions, closure of all schools and other social institutions caused by the pandemic, the UBTS could not effectively undertake its blood collection mandate.

It's against that background that the MoH contracted M/s Medical Solutions Uganda LTD to supply medical supplies worth Shs 2.2bn to ease blood collection by UBTS. These were supplied and included; hand gels, blood collections bags, hand sanitizer, liquid soap, and cotton wool among others.

The MoH also supported the UBTS by paying allowances to health workers that were involved in blood collection at various centres.

The additional supplies, according to the report, partly enabled the UBTS achieve its blood collection targets as well as attainment of its overall planned outputs and outcomes to 71% during FY 2019/20. No additional support was received during the period under review.

SURVEILLANCE, CONTACT TRACING, SAMPLE COLLECTION

As at 31st March 2021, the MoH had cumulatively transferred Shs 12,713,640,000 to hospitals and selected local governments.

In FY2019/20, the MoH transferred to each of the 16 RRHs Shs 270 million and Shs 165 million to each local government for Covid-19 surveillance, contact tracing, sample collection and case management. During FY2020/21, the MoH additionally transferred Shs 8.228 billion to selected LGs, regional, and national and RRHs.

The transferred funds were mainly used to pay arrears for allowances for frontline health workers, food, accommodation for both patients and health workers incurred between January 2020 and June 2020 except in a few instances activities undertaken from July to December 2020.

PRESIDENTIAL SCIENTIFIC INITIATIVE ON EPIDEMICS

During FY2020/21 scientists working under the Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE) were allocated Shs 31 billion towards research and development for Covid-19 response tools.

By 31st December 2020, Shs 25.87bn had been released to MoSTI, of which Shs 15.787bn is for equipment for Covid-19 research and development, and Shs 10.084 billion disbursed to PRESIDE secretariat for recurrent expenses of 23 research projects.

Procurement of equipment under PRESIDE was executed by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations (MoSTI). But one year and three months later, no tangible results have been realized.

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Dr John Nsibambi: curtain draws on illustrious house

Dr JOHN KIGOZI NSIBAMBI, the last surviving member of the famous Nsibambi family that includes former premier Apolo Nsibambi, passed on last week and was buried on June 28. Dr Martin M. Lwanga looks back at his illustrious life.

Following the May 24, 1966 attack on the Lubiri palace of Sir Edward Muteesa, one of the first people he ran to was Simeone Nsibambi, one of the pioneers of the born-again movement who sheltered him briefly before Mutesa found his way to Burundi, and make his escape to Britain.

Simeone and his wife Eva Bakalubo had 12 children that included Janet Nakku, Phillip, John and Apolo, among others. When John was at was at King's College Budo, among his classmates were Mayanja Nkangi, later to become Buganda's Prime Minister and a Central government minister, and Abu Mayanja, later to become a founding father of the nationalist movement in Uganda, Buganda government minister and once Prime Minister of Uganda.

John carried some of his father's leadership qualities and, at Budo, was appointed a prefect. When the eighth born child of Eve and Simeone, joined the school, called Apolo, everyone could notice a lot of his father in him.

He was highly organized, a strict timekeeper, and very forthright. Like his father, he was appointed head prefect. John left Budo to study medicine at the London University, which had an extension at Makerere University. After graduating as one of the early African medical doctors in East Africa, following his specialist studies in UK, he returned and joined Mulago hospital.

These early African Mulago doctors were highly exceptional individuals who all excelled in their specialties. For example, to cite a few, there was Jovan Kiryabwire, who had studied in Britain to return home and become the first African neurosurgeon in East and Central Africa.

There was Sebasatian Kyalwaazi, who would become the first African surgeon in the region too. For John he was a dermatologist, certainly one of the first in the region, just as well. A young doctor fresh from Britain was easily an eligible bachelor.

Unlike some of his brothers, like Ezekiel Kimanje the fifth born who had become a famous journalist, or the vivacious Pilkington Sengendo, ninth born, who became a professor of art, John was much quieter. According to a story told to me by my Aunt, Lillian Binaisa Mukwaya, after noticing he was single and seeking, "I decided to connect John to Solome!"

Solome Nabulya was the beautiful daughter of Taata muto (Uncle) Bulasio Mukasa Kavuma, a leading Buganda government official, Omuwanika ( Chief of the Treasury). A little while back Solome had returned from her studies in Britain. She had something in common with John. She was a nurse.

The arrangement hit off. In 1961, John and Solome, were joined hands in marriage at Namirembe, their parents on both side witnessing the event. The couple were soon blessed with three children: daughters Rose Nanteza and Gertrude Zawedde; and a son, who was named after his grandfather, Simeone.

In the 1970s following the breakdown of Uganda's medical infrastructure the family was forced out into exile. They moved to Kenya and Ethiopia but their heart was ever in Uganda. After the fall of Amin, in the 1980s, John returned home, with the family, but this time decided to set up a private clinic, that specialized in skincare.

Osler Clinic, based at Namirembe, became renowned for treating skin disease. Many children taken there suffering from seemingly incurable ailments, like eczema, were amazed, at how through Dr Nsibambi's skillful hands the pain of their skin was relieved.

He normally sat behind a desk and calmly kept receiving patients through the day. In an adjacent room sat Solome, eager to assist. The two were inseparable. Early one morning in 2018 Solome, called me with the sad news that Zawedde had passed on while in UK.

In the evening I went to attend prayers in the very home where Simeone and Eve had once sheltered Kabaka Mutesa. At that meeting the brethren gathered could not help but express some of their joy at a rather difficult moment. In attendance was also Apolo, who after a long exciting academic career culminating as a Professor of political science, had just retired as Prime Minister of Uganda, and lived across the road.

"John and Solome we are all grieved at the death of your beloved daughter," Zebuloni Kabazi the leader of the fellowship said. "But there is something I want to say here."

Although he had as a little boy confessed salvation in Christ, somewhere, John had backslid. Apolo, too, who had also confessed salvation in Christ, as a little boy, somewhere, had also backslid. But then over time John had recommitted his life to Christ.

A few years back Apolo had returned to the fold.

"For a long time, the Balokole fellowship used to pray for both of you John and Apolo to know Jesus personally as Lord and Savior. We could not imagine that the fellowship your father founded could be true to itself without you being there.

In fact, our hearts were always heavy without seeing any of you. Always we had seats reserved for you. But we are now gratified that you the heir of Simeone and the former Prime Minister of Uganda are all members of the Balokole. How we praise God!"

The service broke into the old revival song, "Tukutendereza Yesu!"

Although devastated by the loss of their daughter, John and Solome, now in their eighties continued to work side by side, at their Osler Clinic. But early one morning of 3rd December 2019, Solome awoke feeling chest pains. John rushed her to Nsambya hospital and she was admitted. But then, suddenly, she passed on.

At Solome's funeral service at Namirembe, John, shaken, wondered aloud, how he was going to cope without his wife of 58 years. He lost the energy to continue on with his clinic and, at 89, the calm skin doctor who was still in high demand closed shop, and quietly retired to his home in Bulange.

With his son Simeone far away in the US, Rose, who was based in UK, decided to relocate, to attend to her ailing father. His health weak, in September 2020, John received a blow when his eldest sister Janet, passed on in the US, where she had since relocated to be near her son, the famous musician Samite Mulondo.

Out of the 12 children of Eve and Simeone, John was now the only one living. On Saturday, June 26th, 2021, at about 3 pm, John, slipped away, in the very house where Simeone and Eve would once gladly receive the brethren from all over Uganda and the world to strengthen them in their faith journey.

It was an end of a great chapter. And knowing the faith of all those who passed through that house, who had gone ahead, there is no doubt there are all now singing praise, "Tukudereze Yesu!"

The writer is Associate Professor of Management, Uganda Christian University, Mukono.

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Gen Tuwine: I love Museveni but he must retire

For close to 35 years in government, Gen Elly Tumwine has never spoken out of tune with President Museveni, his ruling NRM and the army. And when last week the former minister for security boldly urged President Museveni to retire peacefully, he drew plenty of controversy and outrage for his comments.

While handing over office to his successor Maj. Gen Jim Muhwezi, Gen Tumwine who was also dropped as an army representative in parliament, a position he occupied since 1986, said Museveni should listen to advice and retire because if he doesn't, that is a recipe for trouble.

Tumwine's straight talk served as a lightning rod for harsh criticism from within and outside NRM. Some called the general a disgruntled old man who was only speaking out now after he was dropped from cabinet.

In a Twitter exchange, Dr Kizza Besigye, who also broke ranks with Museveni years ago, said other NRM loyalists will also be thrown out if they start questioning Museveni.

"That's the same bus window in which Gen [Henry] Tumukunde also sat, before he was thrown under the bus," Besigye said while commenting on a cartoon, which showed Tumwine stuck under a bus while Gen Jim Muhwezi, his successor, urged the driver to move ahead.

In response, Lt Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who in 2018 was replaced by Tumwine as security minister, said Besigye also occupied a seat on the same bus at one point. He, however, called upon the opposition to welcome anybody who abandons the NRM.

"Being in opposition is not the preserve of one group or individual. We should welcome all that seek change and want the best for our country irrespective of where they once stood/ currently stand," Tumukunde said on Twitter.

In an interview with CBS radio's news segment, Nze nga Bwendaba, Tumwine said that he doesn't mind those mocking him for speaking out about Museveni's retirement. He said unlike Tumukunde and Besigye before him, he has not broken ranks with Museveni.

He said he only wishes Museveni hands over power to another person peacefully.

"It's those who are interested in the negative but that's okay. But those interested in the positive think that what I said was good. I wasn't against anyone; I wasn't attacking anybody because every Ugandan who wants peace would want to see a president handing over to another person peacefully. Who doesn't want that?" Tumwine said.

Gen Elly Tumwine says since he has been dropped as minister & appointed advisor on security, he will advise President Museveni to retire so as save himself from hubris syndrome (intoxicated with power). M7's retirement, he says is important for the stability of #Uganda 📹courtesy pic.twitter.com/BhZf7KktPy

— The Observer (@observerug) June 24, 2021

THE FULL INTERVIEW

What did you mean when you said let the president retire peacefully?

Who doesn't know it? Those who want to understand it, understand it, those who don't want to understand, it's up to them. Who doesn't know that anybody who is working at one point must retire? Who doesn't wish the president well? Who doesn't want our president to retire peacefully?

When do you want him to retire?

When the right time has come; when God says this is the time to retire so that others take over from him. That time must come and it should be peaceful. That is my prayer.

It becomes your prayer after you have been sacked as minister?

No, I have not started now but the handover was the best occasion for me to put out that message.

So, who are you recommending to replace Museveni?

That is not for me but for Ugandans. It's them to elect who will replace him. If there is anybody I want to recommend to him, that's between me and him.

But it seems like many Ugandans didn't take you seriously...

It's those who are interested in the negative, but that's okay. But those interested in the positive think what I said was good. I wasn't against anyone; I wasn't attacking anybody because every Ugandan who wants peace would want to see a president handing over to another person peacefully. Who doesn't want that?

Are there people who appreciated your message?

There are very many...

Your former colleagues who have talked like you before have had it rough...

Their messaging wasn't good; they used to say, he should step down, he should go; where should he go? Are you the one who brought him? But that's not what I said.

But you might end up like them...

Why, I have a good record of supporting my government. I can die for this government; so, don't compare the incomparable.

Some of your former colleagues have mocked you that you only spoke out after having been sacked as a minister...

That word you use, sacking, doesn't apply to me; it's part of your negative propaganda. No one sacked me; and I'm not going anywhere. I'm still here. The president knows my position; he knows my principles; he knows my methods of work. He understands me.

I have been and I'm still his friend. He is my teacher, he's my mentor, he's my leader, here's my hero. He has been a good leader and he will continue to lead us, the only thing I pray for, is for him to retire peacefully.

What kind of leader do you want to replace him?

I want a leader like President Museveni; that's hard anyway.

Some say you guys are thinking of Museveni's son as his replacement...

I'm not saying that, but you will continue saying whatever you want to say; that will not stop Uganda from moving forward.

But if he brings him, would you support him?

Who is bringing him; it's not the president to decide, it's Ugandans. But don't divert me from what we have been talking about to go into things that are irrelevant.

mmkakembo@gmail.com

Source

Delta variant driving up Covid-19 infections in Uganda, DRC

The delta variant is responsible for the spike in the Covid-19 transmission rates, according to scientists.

The variant also identified as B.1.617.2 was first identified in India last year in October. Today the variant has spread to more than 90 countries, according to the World Health Organisation, and is already the most dominant strain in the UK. In Africa, Uganda and DR Congo are recording the highest number of cases.

The variant has been traced in more than 97 per cent of the infections in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono, which are the worst-hit districts by the pandemic.

Scientists say the variant is responsible for the high number of infections, severe forms of the disease and deaths that have been registered during the second wave.

According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, in the month of June, over 30,000 infections of the disease have been reported. This number is almost half of the total number of infections that have been reported in the country since last year in March. More than 300 people have succumbed to the disease in the second wave.

Prof Pontiano Kaleebu, the executive director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), says most recent research shows that majority of the Covid-19 infections that are being recorded at the moment are dominated by the delta variant. He says at least 30 out of 31 sequenced infections are positive for the variant.

Infections with the variant are characterised by the virus attacking all age groups. The first strains of the virus that were from China mainly attacked older persons aged 65 years and above. The delta variant is believed to affect all age groups especially those that are not vaccinated.

Dr Diana Atwine, the ministry of Health permanent secretary, told URN in an earlier interview that the Indian variant was proving to be more virulent compared to other variants in the country.

The WHO describes the variant as one of concern. The first cases of the variant in the country were first detected among Indian travelers who returned to the country last month.

According to scientists, the variant is of concern because it can replicate faster and even dodge the body's immunity to fight the disease. This variant is believed to spread 50 times faster than the original Wuhan strain. It is also believed to present with different symptoms compared to the first strain.

Clinicians say that persons infected with the delta variant often complain of headaches, sore throats and runny noses. With the original strain, cough, loss of taste and smell were the common symptoms.

The delta variant ravaged India in the second wave and is believed to have been responsible for the high number of deaths and infections that the country reported especially in crowded towns like Mumbai.

Prof Kaleebu says the only way Uganda can avoid turning into another India, especially if the variant mutates, is by carrying out mass vaccination.

"Viruses mutate and even this one has already begun mutating. To stop further mutation in the country, we need to vaccinate more people. So far we know that the developed vaccines are effective but this might not be the case if mutatuion occurs," Prof Kaleebu added.

With only 0.01 percent of the targeted population fully vaccinated, Dr Atwine says it is important for all people to continue following all standards operating procedures (SOPs).

"Being vaccinated does not make you immune to the disease," she said. "You can still fall sick. But people who are vaccinated are better off than those who are not. So, to avoid being infected, it is important that we go back to the basics of wearing masks, washing hands and avoiding gatherings," he said.

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Millions become rich during Covid pandemic

More than five million people became millionaires across the world in 2020 despite economic damage from the Covid-19 pandemic.

While many poor people became poorer, the number of millionaires increased by 5.2 million to 56.1 million globally, Credit Suisse research found. In 2020, more than 1% of adults worldwide were millionaires for the first time. Recovering stock markets and soaring house prices helped boost their wealth.

Wealth creation appeared to be "completely detached" from the economic woes of the pandemic, the researchers said. Lower interest rates and government support programmes had led to "a huge transfer" of wealth from the public sector to the household sector, they added.

This had prompted a surge in household saving, which had "inflated household financial assets and caused household debts to be lower than they would be otherwise."

The number of ultra-high net worth individuals, usually defined as those having investable assets of more than $30m, grew by 24% worldwide in 2020, the fastest rate of increase since 2003.

Credit Suisse said its total of the number of millionaires might be higher than other organisations' estimates because it included both investable and non- investable assets, such as owner-occupied homes.

Anthony Shorrocks, economist and author of the Global Wealth Report, said the pandemic had an "acute short-term impact on global markets", but added this was "largely reversed by the end of June 2020".

"Global wealth not only held steady in the face of such turmoil, but in fact rapidly increased in the second half of the year," he said.

However, wealth differences between adults widened in 2020, and Mr Shorrocks said if asset price increases, such as house price rises, were removed from the analysis, "then global household wealth may well have fallen".

"In the lower wealth bands where financial assets are less prevalent, wealth has tended to stand still, or, in many cases, regressed," he said.

"Some of the underlying factors may self correct over time. For example, interest rates will begin to rise again at some point, and this will dampen asset prices."

Total global wealth grew by 7.4%, the report said. Since the start of the 21st Century, the number of people with wealth between $10,000 and $100,000 had more than tripled in size from 507 million in 2000 to 1.7 billion in mid-2020.

They said the increase reflected the "growing prosperity of emerging economies, especially China, and the expansion of the middle class in the developing world".

Nannette Hechler-Fayd'herbe, chief investment officer at Credit Suisse, said: "There is no denying actions taken by governments and central banks to organise massive income transfer programmes to support the individuals and businesses most adversely affected by the pandemic, and by lowering interest rates, have successfully averted a full scale global crisis."

She added: "The lowering of interest rates by central banks has probably had the greatest impact.

"It is a major reason why share prices and house prices have flourished, and these translate directly into our valuations of household wealth."

But she added that these interventions "have come at a great cost".

"Public debt relative to GDP has risen throughout the world by 20 percentage points or more in many countries.

"Generous payments from the public sector to households have meant that disposable household income has been relatively stable and has even risen in some countries."

Ms Hechler-Fayd'herbe said a "major reason" why share prices and house prices had "flourished" was due to the lowering of interest rates by banks, which, she added, translated "directly into our valuations of household wealth".

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Fille marks musical comeback in new visuals

By Musa Ssemwanga Singer Fille Mutoni had had taken a break from the industry and social media for almost two years. She is now back and has announced her comeback with new visuals. The mother of one released a music video for her new song 'Esaawa Yona' two days back after teasing her fans with the […]
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Funeral Services boss succumbs to Covid-19 at Entebbe airport

The co-founder and managing director of Uganda Funeral Services (UFS), Regina Mukiibi Mugongo has succumbed to coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Mugongo, 66, passed away at Entebbe airport on Tuesday afternoon as she was being evacuated to Nairobi, Kenya "for better treatment against Covid-19", a family member is quoted as saying.

She becomes the latest high profile Ugandan to succumb to the virus in recent days following the deaths of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (Psfu) boss Gideon Badagawa and Kampala City Traders Association (Kacita) chairman Everest Kayondo, who died last week at Mulago hospital and Lifeline International hospital in Zana respectively.

The second Covid-19 wave continues to ravage the country, leading to an oxygen shortage crisis in nearly all hospitals and the daily average death of at least 35 people in the last 3-4 weeks although some deaths remain uncaptured as people continue to treat themselves from home due to shortage of hospital beds and hiked medical bills ranging from Shs 2-5 million per day for Covid-19 patients. 

Mugongo and her late brother Fred Katamba Mukiibi pioneered commercial funeral services in the country in 1994 with their UFS, drawing scorn from the general population over what many considered a cultural taboo at the time, offering services ranging from the feeding of mourners, offering criers for hire, hearse and transport services, treating bodies to grave construction, post-death counseling, grave digging and construction, coffin sales among others.  

Only last week, Mugongo gave media interviews indicating how her company had become overstretched by coronavirus following accusations that they had hiked their funeral services fees so as to reap from the pandemic. She admitted hiking the fees but attributed it to the high demand for their services and the risks involved in handling Covid-19 burials. 

Mugongo undertook professional funeral management training at Salisbury College of Funeral Sciences and Embalming in London.

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Govt finally approves Covidex for treatment of Covid-19

The Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA) has approved the use of a local herbal drug, Covidex as a supportive treatment in the management of viral infections including coronavirus disease (Covid-19). 

Mid this month, NDA banned the use of Covidex, saying the developer, Prof Patrick Ogwang had not subjected it to the required approvals. For a locally manufactured drug to be approved by NDA, it has to go through clinical trials among other requirements.

The approval comes days after the drug authority cautioned the public against using the drug since it had not yet undergone necessary testing. NDA has been under intense pressure on social media - with several users giving 'testimonies' about how the treatment helped their Covid patients including those in the intensive care unit (ICU) to suddenly recover just moments after taking in a few doses.   

Dr David Nahamya, the secretary NDA now says that the herbal drug is safe following an assessment of the drug and inspections of the production facilities.

"NDA has granted Covidex an approval based on initial assessment, published literature and safety studies conducted by the innovator. The product has been formulated from herbal plants that have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of severe diseases. To further support the efficacy of the drug for other uses, the manufacturer is advised to conduct random controlled clinical trials to ascertain any claims of treatment," Dr Nahamya said.

Ogwang says his drug works and he is willing to follow all NDA recommendations. According to Ogwang, his product has been used by over 40 people both in the first and second waves who have fully recovered.

NDA says it will continue monitoring the use of the drug on the market. Dr Nahamya encourages users of the drug to get in touch with the authority in case they experience any side effects on their tool-free number 0800101999.

The approval of the drug will most likely lead to an increase in the price. While Ogwang manufactured the drug so that it is easily affordable at Shs 3,000 at retail, the drug on the open market now costs Shs 50,000 and Shs 25,000 on the black market. 

If the drug undergoes randomized clinical trials and is tested on over 120 people, it could be a big breakthrough for Uganda as far as management of Covid-19 is concerned, especially during this second wave in which the country has registered over 37,000 infections and 400 deaths.

On Saturday, Pamela Achii, the president of the Uganda Pharmaceutical Society, and Dr Grace Nambatya, the director of Research at the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Laboratory said that while the herbal-based treatment has not been approved by the NDA, it has some ingredients to treat Covid-related infections and should not be wholly dismissed.

Achii said that the remedy has the berberine plant as an active ingredient and its effectiveness has been proven in Covid-19 studies done elsewhere. Berberine has also been used in treatments for diabetes and liver disease.  She also said that as a society, she adds that they are supporting clinical trials of the drug to quickly start.

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COVID-19 misconception: Arua locals cut down pawpaw trees

Residents of Ongica and Atigolwok parishes, Apac district have cut down hundreds of pawpaw trees over misconceptions that they are carriers of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). 

The locals descended on the pawpaw trees and cut them down on the directives of their local leaders. The local leaders reportedly set a fine of Shs 50,000 for whoever fails to comply with the directive. Vicky Otim, the Aminkec village LC I chairperson, says that many households in her area have cut down the papaw trees after being misinformed by a radio presenter that they spread Covid-19. 

Francis Nixon Okol, a resident of Abwal A village in Ongica parish says that the move to cut down the papaws followed a disease outbreak that dries off the fruit.   

He says that the disease that is yet to be identified by agricultural experts was confused with former Tanzanian President John Pombe Magafuli's statement on finding Covid-19 in pawpaw and goat meat samples after someone mentioned it on radio. Akol says in his area alone about 164 households had already cut down their papaw trees by Monday, which they have been depending on during food shortage.

Charles Dickens Okello, the Chegere sub-county LC III chairperson, says the cutting down of the pawpaw trees is an indication that many local people do not understand how Covid-19 spreads. He suspects the disease disturbing the papaws could be the Black rot Mycosphaerella caricae disease, adding that preparations are ongoing to take the pawpaw trees to the lab for testing.

Francis Leone Oceng, the Apac district health officer, an expert says that there is no scientific evidence that pawpaws are a reservoir of coronavirus. He urged the residents to always include papaws in their diet since it provides vitamins to boost their body immunity.

Covid-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which spreads between people who are in close contact with each other typically within 1 meter (short-range).  

People may also become infected by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus when touching their eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning their hands, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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Bobi Wine praised by Breakfast Club’s Charlmagne

By Ahmad Muto Singer-cum-politician and former presidential candidate Bobi Wine left his social media followers in awe after one of the world's most celebrated media personalities, Charlmagne Tha God shared a photo of them together in the US. Charlmagne captioned the photo: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world. People […]
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Govt bans 8 labour export companies over human trafficking

The government has revoked licences of eight labour export companies following an avalanche of complaints against them. 

Internal Affairs ministry revealed that Middle East Consultants located at Tank Hill road in Muyenga, Rider Uganda Ltd located in Bukoto, Al-Said Agency Ltd based in Kibuye along Salama road and Eagle Supervision Ltd situated at Mengo, Forbes Enterprises Ltd based in Kiwatule, Top Notch Recruitment Services, Fly International Jobs and Sahara Recruitment Agency Ltd based in Lubaga are no longer permitted to export labour. 

Agnes Igoye, coordinator of anti-human trafficking at the ministry of Internal Affairs says the eight companies have had several complaints lodged against them by victims or relatives of victims who were suffering in foreign countries.

Igoye said they were able to assess complaints levied against the companies with the help of among other ministries Gender, Foreign Affairs and security agencies such as External Security Organisation (ESO) and Internal Security Organisation – ISO and the Immigration department.

She said the banned companies have numerous cases of forgeries, human rights violations, smuggling and suffering of Ugandans taken to serve as domestic workers in countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman and UAE.

CID director, AIGP Grace Akullo, in her 2020 crime report indicates that 482 people were victims of transnational trafficking. Of these, Dubai was the leading destination with 257 victims while Kenya and Oman came second and third with 165 and 39 victims respectively.

"Labour remains the biggest form of exploitation for trafficking in persons. This is driven by the large population of unemployed youth and the increased demand for cheap labour in places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman and Jordan among others," Akullo states.

Igoye has urged Ugandans to report any person who will approach them claiming to be a recruiter from the banned companies. Cases of human trafficking were high after last year's Covid-19 lockdown. There is fear that such incidents could skyrocket again once the current lockdown is lifted. 

President Yoweri Museveni on June 18 announced a second lockdown after Uganda registered a surge in new cases of Covid-19 which has also proved to be more lethal.

The 42-day lockdown ends on July 29 but Uganda has been placed on the travel red list of several countries including Dubai, UK due to a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths. On June 26, Uganda registered 512 recoveries, 53 new Covid-19 deaths, and 695 new cases. 

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Bush-isolated Makerere student resorted to burning charcoal to keep warm

A third-year student of Makerere University Business School (Mubs) who was isolated in the bush for fear of transmitting coronavirus disease to his family members resorted to burning charcoal to keep warm and active.  

Shunned like a leper, Simon Odeke has so far spent 16 days isolated in the bush in Kakero village, Bukedea district since returning from school earlier this month. Odeke says while he was still at campus, many of his friends tested positive for Covid-19 including five members out of 15 in his discussion group. 

"When some of my colleagues including myself got infected, I traveled back home where I could not mix up with my family members and I ended up isolated in the bush using the tamarind tree as my home," said Odeke.

Odeke explains that the lack of health and isolation facilities in his sub county denied him access to clinical treatment hence he resorted to cutting logs in the forest and burning charcoal as part of his exercise routine as he battled the virus. 

"That thing [Covid-19] scared most of us, we said we cannot mix with the majority, we need to isolate ourselves, so far now I have finished two weeks [and] some two days under this tree since I came from Kampala. I decided to isolate myself as a person who loves the lives of people because I wanted to 'rescue' the whole community...I chose one person, my sister, I put a table somewhere she places the food there then after she has gone, I come and pick the food," he said. 

His father, Stephen Odeke, says he could not allow Simon to mix with other family members but now that he has tested negative, he's free to return home. Stephen Ikodet, the district health officer for Bukedea confirmed that tested Odeke's samples returned negative results. 

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Two Kaweesi murder suspects charged over assassination attempt on Gen Katumba

Two suspects previously charged for shooting dead former police spokesperson, Andrew Felix Kaweesi in 2017, have today again been charged for the attempted assassination on former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Katumba Wamala earlier this month. 

Hussein Ismael Selubala and Yusuf Siraje Nyanzi have been charged in Nakawa Chief Magistrate's court for the June 1, 2021, drive-by shooting at Katumba's vehicle along Kisota road in Kisasi, Kampala which left his daughter Brenda Nantongo and driver Haruna Kayondo dead. Katumba survived with two bullets in his shoulders. 

Police says they are still hunting for three other suspects linked to the shooting in which more than 56 bullets were sprayed at Katumba's vehicle from around 8:47 am - 9 am. After the incident, a joint investigations team supervised by the deputy inspector general of police, Maj Gen Paul Lokech, embarked on hunting for the attackers who were captured on Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).

The CCTV footage showed attackers moving on two motorcycles seemingly having trailed Katumba from his home in Najeera to the shooting scene 4.1kms away. The Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) commanded by Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, Crime Intelligence headed by Brig Chris Damulira and Criminal Investigations Directorate under the stewardship of AIGP Grace Akullo arrested a number of people but they have since zeroed on two suspects who have now been charged in Nakawa Chief Magistrate's court.

The same suspects were arrested over the shooting of AIGP Kaweesi on March 17, 2017. Court released them on bail after the state prosecutors failed to present evidence for expeditious prosecution.

Kaweesi who was also police spokesperson and director police human resource development was killed alongside his bodyguard Kenneth Erau and driver Godfrey Mambewa at Kulambiro road in Nakawa division.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga insists that security have charged Nyanzi and Selubala based on collaborative accounts narrated by eyewitnesses. More than 10 people were arrested during investigations but only two have been taken to court.

During investigations, four people including Baba TV producer Andrew Kiyini were arrested for the constant phone calls they made to themselves during the shooting of Katumba. 

Seven other people were questioned as witnesses while two other people were arrested because of their vehicle recorded by CCTVs allegedly surveying the area before, during and after Katumba's shooting.

However, all these have been released after security failed to gather information linking them to the crime. It has also been established that on the night after Gen Katumba's attack, thugs broke into the CCTV room of a school along Ssebaggala road and vanished with the cameras and footage which had reportedly recorded the escape routes of assailants.

Enanga said Kira road 999 patrol team intercepted the thugs and arrested them with exhibits which cyber experts have since been examining. Police refute media reports that footage captured spy cameras on the national CCTV grid had been stolen.

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Martha Mukisa dispels rumour she paid Kenzo for collabo

By Paul Waiswa Through the years, it is a norm for upcoming musicians to pay for collaboration songs. The costs vary from one brand to another, and include, bagging some money to the big brand, meeting costs for both audio and video inclusive of promotion costs. But with the emergence of fresh and multi-talented kids […]
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Minister directs security to beat up people defying Covid-19 guidelines

The minister in charge of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Office of the President Dr. Monica Musenero has directed security in Butebo district to start beating people defying the presidential directives and guidelines on COVID-19. 

Musenero who is also the co-chair of the national COVID-19 enforcement team issued the directives to Butebo resident district commissioner (RDC) Emmy Mitala during the burial of her 81-year-old mother Eunice Logose Shaine at Kabelekeke village Petete sub county over the weekend.  

"Bwana RDC just spank them, just beat them. I am speaking as co-chair of the enforcement team national. Don't allow them to cause us distress...Yesterday, when I was coming, I found Petete trading center full of people including children as if there is no lockdown," she said.

The burial that was conducted in full adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and presidential directives was relayed live on two local radio stations for the public. 

The RDC had complained to Musenero about the continued abuse of SOPs by the residents, which he said has escalated further spread of the virus in the area whose health system is too ill-equipped to handle.

''Honorable minister, in our quest to contain further spread of the disease, there is a no of stakeholders we have not yet met including witchdoctors in our attempt to create synergies to counter the disease, but our people have refused to go away from trading centers, they are not following SOPs, now we are stuck'' Mitala reported.

Mitala, who said the 510 doses of COVID-19 vaccines the district received last week were too little, noted that the disease is currently fast spreading in all sub-counties across the district. According to Mitala, the district is a transit route to several districts like Bukedea, Kumi, Pallisa Kibuku and Budaka.  

Musenero said the country is currently overwhelmed with the spread of the disease and people have to adhere to the SOPs, adding that even it if means beating them to compel them to adhere to the SOPs.

The Bishop of Bukedi Diocese, Samuel George Bogere Egesa who led the requiem mass called upon the government to recognize religious leaders as essential workers whose movements should not be restricted.

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Uganda won't need any more Covid-19 vaccine donations - Museveni

Uganda will no longer need any more coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine donations because the country is in the advanced stages of starting production of its own vaccines, President Yoweri Museveni has said.

Uganda, with a target to vaccine about 26 million people of its population against Covid, has so far received combined vaccine donations of slightly above one million dozes from the COVAX Facility and the Indian government.   

According to Museveni, Uganda's mass vaccine production will commence in November this year. The president who was speaking at the opening of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting held in Munyonyo on Sunday said that the current global rush to acquire vaccines by the rich at the expense of poor countries (vaccine nationalism) is a good lesson for African countries that don't want to innovate.

He said unlike many countries in Africa, Uganda's only urgent need now is to acquire raw materials for the vaccine under development by researchers at Makerere University.

"We don't need vaccine donations. We only need raw materials. Don't worry we shall buy them. We don't need donations," Museveni scoffed at the global leaders attending the annual meeting, which Uganda is hosting for the first time.

He spoke after the World Health Organization director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out in his opening remarks that Africa has only contributed 1.6 per cent to the people vaccinated so far globally. 

Tedros said that in just the last one week, infections in Africa had increased by 40 per cent and made fresh appeals for vaccine equity noting that the COVAX Facility needs an additional 200 million doses for poor countries by September.

Uganda has not yet purchased its own vaccines but Museveni says his research team is on track to deliver the much-needed drug at least for just the country in the next one and half years.

"My people needed cells from green monkeys to grow the virus but they found problems accessing the raw material. Clever outsiders got the cells and multiplied them," he said, adding that while they finally got these raw materials there some others that they need and are ready to pay for.

However, in his remarks, the German Ambassador to Uganda Matthias Schauer said his country which houses the summit secretariat plans to donate 30 million doses of the vaccine to developing countries.

Below is a slightly abridged Museveni's speech

I greet you all and congratulate you upon organizing and hosting this World Health Summit regional meeting. I also wish to congratulate the Makerere University administration and staff for the work done to ensure that this World Health Summit regional meeting is hosted for the first time in Africa, particularly in Uganda. Congratulations.

I wish to thank the leadership and scientists of Makerere University for quickly mobilizing human and other resources to start developing a Ugandan Covid-19 vaccine.

We have a long history and experience in dealing with such major disease outbreaks including Ebola. We know that the ultimate solution to Covid-19 lies in vaccinating all our people.

The government, with the help of the African Union and other partners, will fast-track the acquisition of sufficient dozes of vaccines to cover the entire population alongside efforts to develop our own vaccine.

We are continuing to talk with India, the USA for the Johnson-Johnson vaccine, China and Cuba. The importance of medical research cannot be overemphasized.

Progress in medicine depends largely on the work of medical research. Research into the causes and treatments of illnesses is perhaps the most important weapon in the fight against disease. Research into traditional medicine is particularly important in Africa in making good use of our naturally and richly endowed environment.

Countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America use traditional medicine (TM) to help meet some of their primary health care needs.

In Africa, up to 80% of the population uses traditional medicine for primary health care. The age-old cures that kept our forefathers disease-free must be given enough attention so that we improve on them and preserve their use. The government remains committed to funding research and innovations by our scientists especially those in the universities.

We have demonstrated this by earmarking Shs 30 billion every financial year to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). However, I challenge Makerere not to only publish, but to translate research into products that spur our industrial development and catalyze pharmaceutical industrialization to stop the massive dependence on outside pharmaceuticals.

Museveni says vaccine naturalism is good to wake up sleeping Africa

We want tangible results and our ordinary Ugandans have hope in our scientists to come up with solutions for different ailments like cancer and many other diseases. With the therapeutics, one of our products has been tried among some patients and most of them have fully recovered, while the others are still on treatment.

We target to reach 124 patients before we are sure that this medicine treats Covid-19 patients. I salute the few outsiders that helped us. I, therefore, appeal to our regional scientists to work together and put up a united front. Making a vaccine involves 9 or 8 phases if WHO allows you to skip one phase.

Our researchers are now entering stage 4. We hope to get to stage 8 by November, 2021. I can assure you that by the end of 2021, we shall no longer be waiting for outsiders to rescue us from mass death.

The role of science and innovation is recognized from the pre-industrial and early stages of the industrial revolution between 1750 and 1830; and is still key to the 4th Industrial Revolution today.

There is strong evidence indicating that all the developed nations we see today came to be what they are because they invested in science and research and stimulated their population to be more innovative, built enterprises and industries to produce goods, services and solutions to address societal challenges.

A scan of the developed world indicates that science, technology, innovation and research-enabled economies to increase productivity, reduce costs, improve product quality and gain a competitive advantage.

While civilization started in Africa, the biggest problem was that it was never institutionalized and regulated. It remained an individual/tribes skill/trade.

For example, we have skilled people in Uganda called "abaheesi" – blacksmiths. This is a whole industry that has not been developed, mineralogy and gemology (the science of dealing with gemstone materials) as we continue exporting our minerals in raw form.

This may also explain why we have missed the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Industrial revolutions. As Mwalimu Nyerere said, Africa "needs to run while others walk", if we are to catch up.

Some parts of the world are on the verge of the 4th Industrial Revolution while many parts of Africa have not entered the 1st Industrial Revolution.

As we usher in the 4th Industrial Revolution where the physical, biological and digital technologies are converging, we are seeing technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Biotechnologies, etc.

These technologies are efficient and can innovatively be used to address societal challenges. For example; scientists have used modern biotechnology to come up with plant varieties that are resistant to drought, pests and disease and rich in nutrients through bio-fortification.

Technology and innovation are very dynamic and developing countries cannot afford to lag behind or to go through the whole evolution cycles to the 4th industrial revolution technologies.

This can only be possible by establishing strategic partnership with the advanced countries like Japan. All the countries that have transformed their economies in record time have done so through deliberate and focused strategic partnerships; Japan with the USA, China and Korea have all leveraged strategic partnerships and technology transfer in the fields of science, technology, innovation and research.

Finally, I wish to assure everybody that we are optimistic and we shall overcome this challenge of Covid-19. As I have mentioned several times, our scientists; doctors, researchers, innovators, etc., will move Africa to another level, scientifically.

It is now my honor to declare the World Health Summit Regional Meeting Uganda officially open. I wish you all a good stay and fruitful proceedings. I strongly urge you to continue observing the Covid-19 standard operating procedures.

STAY SAFE!

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Police shoots dead 12-year-old girl in Butaleja while enforcing curfew

A 12-year-old girl has been shot dead by police in Butaleja district, eastern Uganda. Esther Nemwa, daughter of Fred Mulesa was shot dead Sunday in Namuselu village while buying chappati by what police insists was a stray bullet.

The deceased's uncle, Tony Wasaba, says they have been hearing about such incidents of police highhandedness and recklessness and it's sad that now it has arrived in their own family.

Butaleja resident district commissioner, Stanley Bayoole said that the shooting was prompted by unruly and rowdy traders who were adamant about the 7 pm curfew time. He says that rowdy residents pelted police officers with stones prompting them to open fire.

"Yes, the shooting was there but it was really a stray bullet caused by police officers who had gone to enforce curfew. They went to tell people to go home and people started abusing and pelting stones at officers. He wanted to maybe shoot in the air, incidentally, a stray bullet went and caught a girl who died on the spot and another one who was injured. The police officer, we shall charge him with heavy penalties but also we want to urge people because this is not the first time they are attacking police officers...Yesterday was the third round," said Bayoole.  

Moses Mugwe, the Bukedi South Region police commander identified the officer who shot the teenager as Anthony Ocaya, saying that he has been arrested and charged with reckless actions as investigations continue. 

He revealed that it has become common for people in the district to attack police officers on duty, citing a recent incident in Busolwe town council where residents assaulted a police officer who was enforcing the presidential guidelines on Covid-19.  

 

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Pharmacists insist banned Covidex effective in treating Covid

As the debate over the efficacy and safety of a local herbal drug, Covidex in the treatment of Covid-19 rages on, the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda and herbal medicine experts have given their nod of approval despite objections from National Drug Authority (NDA).

NDA mid this month banned the use of Covidex, saying the developer, Prof Patrick Ogwang had not subjected it to the required trials and approvals. For a locally manufactured drug to be approved by NDA, it has to go through clinical trials among other requirements.

But Pamela Achii, the president of the Uganda Pharmaceutical Society, and Dr. Grace Nambatya, the director of research at the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute say that while the herbal-based treatment has not been approved by the NDA, it has some ingredients to treat Covid-related infections and should not be wholly dismissed.

Achii said Saturday that the remedy has the berberine plant as an active ingredient and its effectiveness has been proven in Covid-19 studies done elsewhere. Berberine has also been used in treatments for diabetes and liver disease. As the Pharmaceutical society, she adds that they are supporting clinical trials of the drug to quickly start.

She added that on Friday they finished the required protocols to have authentication processes start since Prof Ogwang the innovator of the formulation has already applied for emergency use authorization. 

"We have this herbal formulation called Covidex which of course we see that it has berberine, and berberine is active against Covid. The product has been formulated but for lack of a better word, this product we found it in the market and those who have used it have said they are getting healed in the situation where we don't have alternative medicine to cure this disease. So we had a moral dilemma and moral obligation; should you stop the manufacturer and use of this medicine because you have not had all the clinical trial processes done while there are people who are benefiting from this formulation?" said Acci. 

Dr Nambatya said she had a 79-year-old patient battling Covid-19 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and when she was given Covidex she suddenly and greatly improved. She however recommends that the remedy shouldn't be administered in the nose but rather through the mouth to throat since another herb known as Warburgia ugandensis in the formulation is sensitive to the membranes in the nose especially when someone is sick. 

"We have a relative who has been in ICU and we're a big family, so people come with interventions and one of them came with Covidex. The proprietor [Prof Ogwang] was my staff member, I know him very well and I respect him, he has published, he has put things on the market and on the label at least one of the ingredients is Warburgia and I know it very well. Of course, there are some other plants, but once I saw Warburgia, I knew this must be effective. But now for me on this patient, what I noted this was a patient in ICU when it was put in the nose for this 79-year patient, it was really bad," said Nambatya. 

She says there's inflammation in Covid-19 where remedies with peppery taste can be challenging especially if administered in the nose.   

"In Covidex, there is inflammation and dryness, people talk of Covid but when you have been near a patient and your own there is that dryness of membranes, and I think if something has Warbugia and it is dosed into the membrane, Warbugia has a peppery taste for those who know the plant, you chew the plant and it has chilli. In the mouth, the patient felt fine and the patient improved. Maybe this dosage form should not be administered in the nose because of the dryness there," added Nambatya. 

A 2018 paper titled A review on the botanical aspects, phytochemical contents and pharmacological activities of Warburgia ugandensis notes that the Warbugia has been for long been used as herbal treatment for stomachache, cough, toothache, fever, malaria, oral thrush, measles and diarrhea in African communities where the plant occurs including Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda. 

An updated 2019 paper notes that Warbugia has also been used in the management of pneumonia, asthma, malaria, candidiasis, skin infections, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) opportunistic infections, diarrhea, and measles given the common use in the management of these diseases. 

The South African Journal of Botany notes Warbugia is widely used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, colds, bronchial infections, oral thrush, cystitis and many other ailments. 

NDA says that Prof Ogwang has submitted his application for the remedy to be notified, a process that can allow the product to be used under emergency use categorization even as clinical trials have not yet been done.  He says so far, no natural product has been authorized to be used as a Covid-19 cure. 

"The reason why NDA is in between the producer and the user is to ensure safety and if NDA has not come out to tell you this product now is verified for use in Uganda then you're using a product whose safety has not been ascertained by a body that is responsible for doing that. We have teams out there and I think if you went out there and said I want Covidex, you may not find ut on the shelf or you may not find it in pharmacies, it is on the black market and there are teams out there to ensure that this product is controlled," said NDA's Brain Sekayomba. 

Sekayomba adds that Ogwang was asked to submit additional documents to support his innovation ten days ago but they since got no feedback from him. Normally, the product notification process takes about three months to be completed. Once this process is completed and no red flags are noted in the formulation, it will be allowed for use by the general public.  

The experts were speaking during the launch of findings by Regional NGO Twaweza in their Sauti Za Wananchi, a mobile phone survey in which they captured Kampala residents' experiences and opinions on the use of herbal remedies. 

In the surveys conducted from July to August 2020, and December to January 2021, they found close to half of the residents in Kampala believe drinking herbal combinations can cure Covid-19. Also, the findings show that three out of ten people believe steam inhalation cures Covid-19 whereas four out of ten believe that taking Vitamin C, a drug whose use among those on homecare for Covid-19 can actually cure the disease.

Overall, 50 per cent of the people surveyed wrongly believe that a person who doesn't show symptoms even when positive doesn't spread the disease, while 46 per cent believe hot climates prevent spread.

With such wide misconceptions and the fact that study findings show even in Twaweza surveys that are still being done that use of herbal remedies are on the increase, experts urged the regulators to expedite the process of its approval as it's very important especially now that there is no known cure yet for the viral respiratory disease. 

According to data currently being collected in Kampala and Kyotera, Twaweza says already they are seeing herbal medicine use to shoot up to 31 per cent from 17 per cent last year.

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COVID-19 jabs only effective with mass vaccination - experts

The AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine will only be able to offer protection against the coronavirus disease and stop deaths or severe cases after more Ugandans have been vaccinated, health experts have said.

According to the experts, the reported deaths of already vaccinated personnel does not prove that the vaccine is ineffective, but rather that more people need to get vaccinated so that herd immunity can be built.

So far at only 3.3 per cent of the targeted 26.7 million people have received one jab in Uganda, yet the country needs to vaccinate at least 65 per cent of its population. Last week, Uganda received another 175,000 vaccine doses donation to add to the earlier 900,000 doses received from the COVAX Facility and the Indian goverment. More vaccines are expected in the country next month. 

Dr Misaki Wayengera, a virologist and head of the ministerial Covid-19 scientific task force, says more vaccinations need to be carried out and that people who have been vaccinated need to continue protecting themselves for at least 20 days to guarantee their safety.

"After vaccination the level of immunity is low. Immunity is built after a while. People who have been vaccinated need to observe all SOPs for at least 20 days as the body builds immunity," Wayengera said.

"Vaccines work in a communal manner; you need to have more people vaccinated to protect one another. You cannot be the lone island that you're the only person who is vaccinated and you're living among people who are not vaccinated, and you think you, you will be protected. The amount of exposure will be too high, ultimately you might get exposed. Some people might have been vaccinated with one jab." he said. 

Adding: If you have 60% vaccinated, it means amongst 100 people, only 60 will be protected that is the first dose. If you have the second dose, it means 92 per cent will be protected, 8 will not be protected. It means that those 8 will still be exposed, they might get severe disease, they might die. But if you have more people in community vaccinated, then the chances that you're protected even increase. It is the compounding thing that we call mutualism. You're more safe if you're seated among vaccinated people."

As of now, there's no data to indicate how many vaccinated people have succumbed to Covid-19 in the country. However, in light of the high number of infections being reported, Dr Alfred Driwale, the programme manager of the Uganda National Expanded Programme (UNEPI) says deaths if any should not be a surprise since vaccines cannot protect all persons.

According to Driwale, with every vaccination that takes place, 14 per cent of those vaccinated are likely not to receive protection offered by the vaccine. As such, they might need a booster dose to get protection or be protected by others getting vaccinated.

"From the word go, we all know that no vaccine is 100 per cent effective. If the effectiveness is 86 per cent which means 14 per cent of the people will not benefit from being vaccinated. At an individual level those who will not benefit, the 14 per cent will bear the consequences, the side effects against what we're vaccinating people. Therefore, if you look at these figures in absolute terms, it may not give you a good picture but it is more important to compare the people who are vaccinated with the outcomes of those who have not been vaccinated," Driwale said. 

The second round of vaccination is expected to start next week on Monday and only people getting their second jab will be vaccinated.  However, with Covid-19 variants circulating in the country, some of which have proved to be resistant to vaccines, Wayengera says more than two doses of the vaccines might be needed.

"Right now, there are studies that recommend getting more than two jabs of the vaccines for optimal protections especially in settings with variants. So we might need to do that but even then, people will need to take precaution after getting each dose," he explained.

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Sembabule policeman survives lynching after battering woman

The officer in charge of Kyera police post, Sembabule district survived being lynched by an angry mob after he badly beat a woman in the area.

Gaston Bogere narrowly survived lynching on Thursday evening after he pounced on Juliet Tumwesigye, a resident of Kyera cell A whom he badly beat, raising anger among other locals. The policeman who was allegedly drunk, went to Tumwesigye's home before he hit her with a stick in the guise of enforcing Covid-19 prevention guidelines.

The neighbours who heard Tumwesigye screaming and pleading responded by apprehending Bogere who was only saved by Kyera LC III chairperson Frank Basaaza. The LC III chairperson restrained the charged mob from lynching the policeman. 

According to Basaaza, the policeman is a habitual drunkard who doesn't deserve to continue policing the community. He indicates that residents have repeatedly complained about Bogere's misconduct, but his bosses have been reluctant on taking the necessary actions to bring him to order, something that has angered the residents.

Although Basaaza saved Bogere from the angry mob, he demands that the officer be punished for his misconduct as well as being charged for badly beating up an innocent citizen. 

Stephen Turyatunga, one of the eyewitnesses indicates that Bogere was drunk and pounced on a resident while she was collecting groundnuts from the courtyard after the sunset. He says that the victim suffered bruises on her body as well as serious internal injuries, leading her to start passing out blood.  

Bogere was detained at Sembabule Central police station as investigations in the incident continue. 

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Azawi trolled over My Year song

By Ahmad Muto With people locked down, they have had time to listen to music, particularly Azawi's and they have been throwing their sentiments for days, questioning her latest My Year. From the title to the lyrics, nothing seems to make sense according to them because 2021 does not look like it's going to be […]
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Covid funds: MPs protest decision to exclude rural dwellers

Legislators representing rural constituencies are up in arms over government's decision to exclude their constituents from the Covid-19 relief fund support.  

Last week, President Museveni announced a second 42-day lockdown as one of the measures to check the surging numbers of Covid-19 cases recorded in the second wave. 

Prime minister Robbinah Nabbanja this week on Thursday announced that government would be giving out Shs 100,000 per person to 530,000 people in 10 cities and 41 municipalities across the country.

Nabbanja said the money was mainly to purchase food for people who aren't currently working due to the lockdown, and that since village dwellers have gardens from where they can pick food, they don't necessarily need the financial support. 

But now MPs including Helen Nakimuli (Kalangala Woman MP), Charles Tebandeke (Bbale), Geoffrey Lutaaya (Kakuuto), John Paul Mpalanyi (Kyotera), Geofrey Kayemba–Ssolo (Bukomansimbi South) and Stephen Sserubula (Lugazi Municipality) argue that that the decision to leave out rural areas where a majority of the vulnerable people are is discriminative. 

Nakimuli queried the criteria used to consider only urban dwellers yet many other people in the countryside are also facing the same lockdown challenges.

"Government is very unfair to our people. The tax collectors are demanding for taxes from my people who are not even fishing now because the waters are very rough. How do you pay taxes when you have not been working? So it's not fair to say this person is not vulnerable and cannot get that money," Nakimuli said.

Nakimuli along with her colleagues told a news conference at Pope Paul Memorial Centre that from May to August, there is hardly any fishing activity as the lakes usually experience turbulent waves.

Sserubula argued that the failure by individuals and companies to contribute this time round towards the Covid relief aid fund as it was last year when they contributed money, food and vehicles among other items is premised on the mistrust people have in government.

"It's laughable that government with 35 million people is planning to give help to only 530,000 people. Government should know that because it betrayed people's trust, they are now reluctant to contribute. Even the cars people and companies contributed, none can be spotted on the road, a direct implication that no contributions will be made this time," Sserubula noted.

Kayemba-Ssolo advised government to prioritize rural areas when offering financial support on the basis that the people living there are even needier than those in urban centres. Kyotera MP John Paul Lukwago-Mpalanyi said government's approach to decide who's vulnerable in times of need should be questioned because everyone is affected by the lockdown and also when it comes to taxes, all Ugandans are expected to pay. 

Bbale MP Charles Tebandeke expressed worry that the Covid-19 national task force was even failing to correctly define the vulnerable persons.

"All the affected business sectors have vulnerable people especially the private school teachers, taxi drivers and boda boda riders among others. In Bbale, about 4,000 teachers have been living without food since the 2020 lockdown but we are dismayed that during the elections, people in the villages remembered to vote for President Museveni and he lost votes in towns. Therefore by the national task force coming out to give food to Kampala and other urban areas aid at the expense of needy villagers is like the president rewarding villagers negatively for voting for him and those in towns for not voting for him," Tebandeke said.

Lutaaya said some of the government programmes like road constructions should be put on halt so government can first focus on offering financial support to all Ugandans irrespective of their location. 

joselynesiana@gmail.com 

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Tanasha Donna makes acting debut

By Musa Ssemwanga Tanasha Donna has made her debut in acting after featuring in the film titled 'Symphony' posted her friend. The announcement was made by her makeup artist Soba Jonah, who is also known as Belize makeup, who glammed her up for the film shoot and shared her picture on Instagram.  "I had the pleasure […]
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Patients clog Nabalanga HC III after medics are blocked from using boda bodas

Medical workers at Nabalanga health center III in Nakifuma town council are facing transport challenges after security officers allegedly confiscated their travel permits and also banned them from using boda bodas and commuter taxis. 

The health centre is currently groaning under an influx of patients turning up for treatment who are being handled by the only four health workers who stay at the facility. 

Nabalanga has 12 medical workers and six support staff. However, the facility's officer-in-charge Rebeccah Nassali says her staff members are being been forced to walk distances of over ten kilometers because security blocked them from using boda bodas and taxis even after identifying themselves as medical workers.

Nassali says that even when they managed to secure travel documents from the resident district commissioner (RDC) and district health offices as directed by President Museveni last week, security officers deployed at roadblocks confiscated the documents, saying they were null and void. 

Nassali says currently the facility is also struggling to handle the patient influx amidst inadequate water and electricity supply after their solar system also malfunctioned and stopped pumping water and lighting up the facility.  

"We would wish to abide by the president's order of staying at the facility during this time, but our accommodation facility can only cater for four people, lacks electricity needed especially to help mothers deliver during night hours and also enough medicine especially at this time when many people left town centers to villages," said Nassali. 

Statistics at Nabalanga health centre III indicate that before the new travel restrictions, the facility was receiving on average about 30 clients daily but now the number has increased to 70, while staff attendance has fallen from 18 to four.  

The assistant officer-in-charge of the facility Mustafah Kayondo explains that they are further frustrated by the travel ban when making referrals because when they call for the ambulances, they sometimes delay by over 5 hours and they are left with no options but to use commuter taxis or boda boda for the critical cases which are sometimes blocked by security. 

Kayondo appeals to the district and the government to at least provide two emergence vehicles to transport medical workers and another one to help in effecting referrals.

"Most of the time we are forced to treat patients from outside due to the congested nature of our facility, the most challenging moment is making referrals for the most critical emergencies," said Kayondo. 

However, Dr Stephen Mulindwa, the Mukono district health officer (DHO) says complaints of travel restrictions are not from medical workers but impersonators pretending to work at the facility. According to him, Nakifuma relies on two ambulances from St Francis Hospital, Naggalama to cater for referrals.

"No health worker in the district has had no issues with traveling to work. Once they announced the lockdown, we dispatched two ambulances that take patients free of charge. I have not received any reports of health workers facing transport challenges," said Mulindwa. 

Nakifuma town council health inspector Deborah Nakabugo says the district needs a review of its methods of responding to emergencies. She notes that one ambulance at Naggalama responds to only Covid-19 emergencies while the other charges patients for other ailments with patients asked to pay a starting price of Shs 150,000 for the ambulance services from Naggalama to Kampala.

Meanwhile, the Mukono residence district commissioner (RDC) Fatumah Ndisaba acknowledges that there is still a big gap between her office and security teams in the field implementing the presidential orders. She acknowledges that security have been confiscating travel permits issued out to essential workers in the community yet play an important role in the fight against Covid-19.

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