In this file photo, President Museveni is seen demonstrating how families can survive by consuming measurable amounts of food during the Covid-19 pandemic on May 20, 2020. PHOTO/FILE
The National Incident Commander for the Covid-19 response, Dr Henry Kyobe, has dismissed concerns about a potential resurgence following the recent confirmation of 10 cases in Uganda’s oil-rich Buliisa District.
In an interview yesterday, Dr Kyobe said the cases fall within the expected range of routine national surveillance and pose no immediate threat.
“There is no crisis. We register positive cases regularly. The situation in Buliisa is not unusual,” he said. “The only notable aspect is the congregate living in camps, which can accelerate the spread of respiratory illnesses.”
Dr Kyobe, a senior epidemiologist, explained that their surveillance monitors not only case numbers but also severity. So far, there has been no uptick in severe illness or hospitalisations.
“We’re seeing seasonal trends in respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19. These tend to increase around this time of year, but the good news is that the cases remain mild and don’t require critical care,” he noted.
He assured the public that should the numbers rise beyond expected levels, the Ministry of Health would promptly inform the public.
He also acknowledged that while Covid-19 vaccines are available in the country, distribution remains limited.
“Vaccines are still administered, though not widely accessible. That’s why we’re not strongly pushing for booster doses at the moment,” he said. Dr Kyobe emphasised that seniors and those with underlying conditions remain at higher risk for severe outcomes and should be monitored closely.
The initial outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 overwhelmed Uganda’s health system, leading to oxygen shortages and treatment delays that contributed to numerous deaths. According to the World Health Organisation, by the end of 2023, Uganda had reported 171,888 infections and 3,632 deaths from Covid-19.
Politicians and civil society leaders have previously cited the pandemic’s harsh control measures—such as lockdowns—as having severely disrupted education and livelihoods.
