Minister Anite defends herself over Koboko ‘rally’ that flouted Covid19 guidelines

State Minister of finance in charge of investment and privatization Evelyn Anite has spoken out on a video showing a Koboko procession in which people sang her praises.

The video captured locals, observing no social distance, wearing no face masks and contravening President Yoweri Museveni’s ban on political gatherings, in what appeared like a campaign rally.

Political rallies have been banned since March 2020 as a way of preventing the spread of Covid19. Days ago, the Electoral Commission (EC) allowed politicians to hold regulated political meetings provided they get police clearance.

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Anite is just one of the ministers who have flouted Covid19 regulations. The others include: health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng and justice and constitutional affairs minister Prof Ephraim Kamuntu.

But Anite, also the Koboko Municipality MP, has denied organizing the rally but locals had gathered as a team delivered ambulances to the area.

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VERBATIM: MINISTER ANITE SPEAKS ON KOBOKO PROCESSION THAT BROKE COVID19 PREVENTION GUIDELINES

The procession that has been widely viewed on social media was not a campaign rally. I did not organize it and neither did my Team. I was not even there!

The spontaneous procession formed on the occasion of the delivery of the Ambulances for Koboko Municipality.

The community is in great need of these ambulances as the nearest referral hospital is in Arua.

We promised to deliver the ambulances before COVID19, but the pandemic has made them even more urgent to respond to emergencies during this period.

As leaders in Koboko, we continue to raise awareness for our people to social distance, wear masks, wash hands and follow other guidelines provided by Ministry of Health.

Health of our people is number one priority for me.

I will do more to sensitize the people about this and warn them against such dangerous practices.