The parliament of Uganda has dismissed allegations that one of the MPs tested positive for covid-19.
Earlier today,there were media reports claiming that Kiryandongo district Woman Member of Parliament Helen Kahunde has tested positive for the novel virus. It was also reported that the legislator was being admitted at Mulago Referral Hospital.
However in a statement issued on Wednesday, Parliament’s department of communications and public affairs said they had no knowledge of any legislator having tested positive for covid-19.
“Parliament maintains that information relating to one’s status remains confidential issue until one chooses to reveal it . Additionally , if parliament were at risk ,it is the responsibility of the ministry of health to advise accordingly and to take the necessary measures , as has been the case with other incidents in the country,” Parliament said.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has revealed that Parliament will begin mass screening for coronavirus for Members of Parliament and staff on Thursday, 16 July 2020.
“Some time back Members of Parliament requested that the Ministry of Health organises mass screening for COVID-19. I am glad to inform you that they have now completed screening the Cabinet and starting tomorrow, we shall be able to do screening here,” Kadaga said.
Kadaga said screening will be carried out at Parliament’s medical centre starting with the 459 Members of Parliament and later on staff.
She directed the Clerk to Parliament to ensure that the screening exercise does not generate congestion at the medical centre whose capacity cannot accommodate big numbers.
“We shall have to cluster you because we do not want all of you to be there at the same time. The clerk will organise and communicate to you the appointment
Busongora North County MP, William Nzoghu said that massive screening should be extended to immediate family members of MPs and staff in order to minimise any chances of infection even after screening.
“Members and staff of Parliament come from families; they interact with people who can infect them even after testing. I wonder if there is a way screening can be extended to our families,” said Nzoghu.
Kadaga said that such an arrangement would require further discussion with the Ministry of Health adding that, ‘for now, I will start with my immediate constituents; MPs and staff. I am going to talk to the Ministry of Health on what can be done for our family members’.
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