Heath Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has spoken out on reports that she held a rally in Lira without observing social distance and wearing face masks.
On July 11, photos of Minister Aceng with a group of people who wore no masks and observed no social distance appeared online.
This made some people conclude that she was holding a political campaign rally for her Lira woman MP bid.
Opposition FDC party suggested that government was discriminating them since it allowed Aceng’s rally and blocked that of their spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda.
But Aceng has come out clarify on the reports, saying that she was distributing masks but people gathered around her to express their love for her.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
She added that they were difficult to control as seen in the picture.
“Many wanted to take pictures [with me] and also get masks from me.”
Minister Aceng further prided on the fact that she had left the people “very knowledgeable” and “appreciating the importance of face masks and social distancing.”
She also reiterated her call on Ugandans to continue to observe social distance.
“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 the government have put in place,” she continued.
“I continue to appeal to you all to wear your masks, maintain social distance and wash your hands with soap regularly to prevent Covid19.”
