Uganda Parliament is set to commence mass screening for Coronavirus after a lawmaker tested positive for the novel virus.
News out is that Kiryandongo Woman MP, Helen Kahunde was this past Tuesday admitted at Mulago Referral Hospital after tests for the virus came out positive.
“Hon Kahunde felt unwell before volunteering to take a test at Mulago where she is currently admitted,” said a close associate of the MP.
“I am aware of the case,” said Parliament spokesperson Hellen Kaweesa when contacted by this investigative website on Wednesday afternoon.
However, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga on Wednesday announced that “starting from tomorrow, Thursday, 16 July 2020, the Parliament will start screening the MPs for COVID19 at Parliament.”
She further said the staff will also be screened later.
Kahunde is the first Ugandan lawmaker to test for COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic in Uganda earlier this year.
Parliament continues to runs its business but had reduced staff to prevent the spread of the virus.
President Museveni recently directed that Cabinet Ministers be subjected to routine tests.
Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda recently opted for a 14-day quarantine after his aides tested positive for COVID-19.
Kahunde was among the few MPs who returned the controversial Shs 20m handed to MPs to fight COVID-19.
“The money should be used appropriately to help people affected by the continued lockdown since the district has put in place proper structures,” Kahunde was quoted as saying while handing over the money.
“I have decided to handover the money to the district task-force as per the court order and presidential directive. A court order remains unless challenged or turned otherwise. I also respect the president given that he is a fountain of honor,” she added.
The cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases of Ugandans to-date is 1,043.
src: ChimpReports
