Minister Aceng: I was Teaching Public on Proper Use of Masks

Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has broken silence on accusations of flouting health guidelines she rolled out to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photos of the Minister addressing a crowd in Lira District Northern Uganda without a face mask have triggered a firestorm on social media.

The opposition said Aceng should not have been the person to speak at a public function without a face covering.

“I said it and I say it again. With votes at stake, even those who preach water will drink wine,’ said DP President Norbert Mao in tweet.

However, Minister Aceng said in a brief statement that she was sensitizing the public on wearing masks.

“I would like to reiterate that I was not holding a political rally.

I was launching the distribution of face masks in Aromo Sub County and training people on how to properly use the masks on Friday 10 July 2020,” said Aceng who recently revealed plans to stand in Lira District woman MP seat.

Aceng said she also oriented village health teams (VHTs) and other youths on the better means of distributing mosquito nets.

“They got excited when they heard about face masks, and specifically the Minister for health whom they call ‘mama Corona’ and rushed to see me. They were difficult to control as seen in the picture as many wanted to take pictures and also get masks from me,” she emphasised.

The Minister said the crowds “left as very knowledgeable people appreciating the importance of face masks and social distancing. As the Minister who is at the helm of the Corona response and an aspiring Woman MP of Lira District, I am cognizant of the rules and guidelines that we as government have put in place.”

The Health Ministry recently launched a campaign to sensitise people on wearing masks.

Experts say face coverings are helping limit the spread of Covid-19 across the world.

COVID-19 is spread through sneezing, coughing, talking and breathing.

When an infected person wears a face mask, the mask blocks the virus from spreading through sneezing, coughing, talking and breathing.

The mask also prevents droplets from an infected person reaching the nose and mouth of the person wearing it.