Covid19: Museveni gov’t vows to punish companies which supplied poor quality masks

President Yoweri Museveni’s government will crack the whip on companies which supplied sub-standard masks, information minister Judith Nabakooba has announced.

At the end of May 2020, Museveni promised that his government would provide free face masks to over 30 million Ugandans above the age of six as a way to prevent the spread of Covid19.

But government has distributed only 13 million masks, according to minister Nabakooba, who heads the ICT and national guidance docket.

Most of those who have received face masks are from border and high risk districts, Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono.

On August 23, Nabakooba said that government was not only concerned that some people were not putting on the masks but had also received “feedback that some of the masks being produced by some of the companies contracted are of poor quality and do not meet the standards issued by Ministry of Health.”

“This is a big disappointment on the side of the suppliers entrusted with the responsibility of producing quality face masks meant to save lives of Ugandans,” she said, further warning that government would take stern action.

“Government is going to follow up with the respective suppliers and those found guilty of producing substandard masks are at risk of having their contracts cancelled.”

She also appealed to Ugandans yet to receive masks “to remain calm” because “government is committed to ensure that all Ugandans have access to free and good quality masks” and “efforts are underway to have them delivered to your respective local governments.”

Minister Nabakooba to Ugandans: Use buses, taxis at your own risk