Who is using COVID-19 to extort money from Ugandans? Parliament seeks answers

Legislators have turned the heat on the health ministry, tasking its officials to account for Shs 35 billion supplementary funding that was supposed to aid in the fight against the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic.

In a plenary session chaired by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga on Tuesday, the lawmakers claimed that there was a selective distribution of facemasks to Ugandans, and wanted the health ministry to explain.

The lawmakers said that in places like Buvuma and Bugiri, residents have not yet received facemasks despite the health ministry receiving funding.

“Security officers never got the money they were supposed to receive, now masks. Who is using Covid-19 to extort money from Ugandans?” Joseph Gozanga Ssewungu, the MP representing Kalungu West asked.

Speaker Kadaga summoned health minister Dr. Ruth Aceng to explain to the country about the progress of the distribution of masks.

“She should come and explain the progress, especially in border districts, in particular, Pakwach, which are still under lockdown. We need answers by Tuesday next week,” Kadaga said.

In April this year, Parliament passed a supplementary budget of over 284 billion to help the health sector in the fight against Coronavirus.

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