As the government is working towards the full reopening of the schools and the economy as promised by the president in October, the same government is in fear that the festive season may affect the arrangement.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic that was announced in March 2020, the country has experienced two lockdowns in the of two years. The lockdowns have affected almost every sector with closures hence leaving the economy and the general population affected.
Originally, the reopening of schools and the economy was highly tagged on the vaccination status of the priority groups with at least 4.8 million vaccinated people. However, this changed in the month of October 28, 2021, when president Museveni while addressing the nation gave hope to the Ugandans, after promising to fully reopen the economy without centering on the vaccination status of the population.
THe President also highlighted that the country was expecting to receive 23 million doses of covid-19 vaccines by the month of December 2021 to vaccinate over 12million people on top of the 4.8 million targeted category.
Now with only a few weeks left for the president to fulfill his pledge to the nation, of full reopening in the month of January 2022, the ministries of Health and of Education led by the office of the president, have come out with fears that the festive season may lead to spread of the virus hence affecting the plan of full reopening.
Margaret Muhanga the state Minister of primary healthcare says that despite the government promising full reopening, it does not mean the virus is no longer in existence hence the need for people to remain conscious.
Muhanga says through the same campaign they will also put different vaccination points for people to get vaccinated after being inspired by awareness campaigns.
Currently, the ministry of health has so far vaccinated 7.8 million people with over eight million doses available in the country to vaccinate more people before the month of January 2022.
According to Muhanga, the uptake of the vaccines is still very low especially when it comes to one of the targeted groups of those aged 50 years and above at 30% of the total 3.3 million targeted.
A 10-kilometer awareness run will kick off at Kololo Independence grounds at 6 am on Sunday, December 19, 2021, and will only be open for not more than 200 participants to ensure that the SOPs are observed well.
The marathon will also attract international athletes Jacob Kiplimo, Peruth Chemutai, Stephen Kiprotich along with their training partners.