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Uganda's Health Minister Criticized for Not Wearing Mask in Public

Halima Athumani

   KAMPALA - Uganda's Health Minister Dr. Jane Aceng finds herself a
   subject of controversy these days, after videos of her meeting with
   supporters without her mask on were made public.

   Another video shows the minister, who is seeking a parliament seat in
   northern Uganda, taking part in a political procession and not
   practicing distancing.

   Minister Aceng has spearheaded the fight against COVID-19 in Uganda,
   earning her the nickname Mama Corona. Public service announcements of
   her urging people to wear masks and maintain social distance are aired
   on local media.

   Peter Magelah, a human rights lawyer with local NGO Chapter Four,
   saidthe minister should have adhered to her own guidelines given that
   some Ugandans think the virus is not real and is being used to achieve
   political gains.

   "People have been arrested, people have been shot and killed, for not
   following guidelines issued and signed by her. And then you have the
   person who should be champion, is violating the very principles for
   which other people have been killed," he said.

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