Health Ministry to spend UGX 2bn in the distribution of face masks countrywide

Uganda’s Ministry of Health will spend up to UGX 2 billion to facilitate the effective distribution of face masks.

Ministry of Health (MOH) will spend up to UGX 2 billion to facilitate the effective distribution of face masks countrywide beginning with districts close to border entry points.

While flagging off a total of 750,000 face masks yesterday, the health minister, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng said that a total of 79 billion shillings has been invested in procurement of these masks with each mask going for about UGX 2,400.

Dr Aceng said that all the masks were produced and manufactured here in Uganda noting five different companies that have so far delivered fully made masks to the MOH.

“A total of 750,000 face masks were handed over by five different Ugandan companies and that they will be distributed in districts of Amuru, Adjumani, Kyotera and Rakai,” Dr Aceng said.

Also, the Minister said that the masks will be distributed applying the same methods used in the distribution of food reliefs to households in districts of Wakiso and Kampala.

“Masks will be distributed door to door via government structures,” Aceng said before adding that the masks are made up of three layers with the outer layer being 65% polyester and 35% cotton. The middle layer is made up of chiffon while the innermost layer is made up of cotton.

Further, Dr Aceng stressed that the free mask delivery is part of government’s plan to fight the spread of the deadly coronavirus and as a result, she advised Ugandans to wear masks every time more so when in public places.

“Always wear a mask when in public and continue to adhere to the Presidential directives and MOH guidelines,” Aceng added.

While delivering his Heroes’ Day speech on Tuesday, President Museveni warned Ugandans who have persistently failed to respect directives in place that they will be responsible for their deaths in case they fall victims.

Museveni, in particular, mentioned that many Ugandans more so those whose businesses were allowed to re-operate have displayed laxity by doing things their way with no worries about the existence of the virus.

He said that many people now no longer adhere to directives such as maintaining social distance, washing hands with soap and wearing of masks properly while moving on roads and in public.

“They say after all nobody has died so they are not bothered. If you are looking for someone to die, you will get him and when you start dying don’t say Museveni did not tell us.

“We won’t keep begging you not to die, we have told you exactly what the science says about the virus,” the President said.