Candidates warned against public campaigns as Uganda’s COVID-19 Cases surpass 10,000

Parliamentary candidates who were successfully nominated on Thursday and Friday, have been warned against campaigning until the electoral commissions campaign roadmap is released

The call was made by the Minister for Information, Hon Judith Nabakooba in a statement on Sunday afternoon.

The minister noted that some candidates upon nomination, immediately started campaigning which is an illegality. She also noted with concern, the fact that some candidates also did not follow guidelines issued against COVID-19.

“I would like to inform all candidates and the general public that it is not yet time for campaigning. The electoral commission is currently working on a campaign road map that will act as a guideline for all candidates” Nabakooba said.

Adding that; “the campaign roadmap is expected to be released soon and candidates are therefore advised to wait for guidance from electoral commission.”

She re-echoed the electoral commission’s stand that the guidelines strictly outlaw any activity that brings together crowds and that most activities such as open public campaigns and processions are not acceptable.

“I therefore want call upon all leaders to lead by example and avoid situations that put people’s lives at risk. We must all understand that Uganda has surpassed the 10,000 mark in terms of confirmed cases” the minister said.

Currently, Uganda’s COVID-19 statistics stand at 10,590 confirmed cases, 97 deaths and 6,992 recoveries. Nabakooba urged all Ugandans to take a personal decision and say no to COVID-19.

She also noted that the Ministry of health is concerned over the rise in COVI-19 cases among journalists. Over 50 journalists have tested positive for the disease.

“As frontline workers, journalists expose themselves everyday while carrying out their duties of searching for news. It is the responsibility of every journalist to ensure that they are well protected with masks or any other protective wear while on duty.

She further called upon media houses to abide by the regulations issued by UCC and ensure that all employees remain protected.