'Thank you for being a Covid 19 champion; you have put Uganda on the world map' Amama Mbabazi thanks Museveni during the Covid 19 at Kololo.

Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi who was the chief runner thanked the organizers and participants for their struggle in promoting Covid 19 vigilance.

Mbabazi  reminded the public that sport is not about winning and neither a luxury but a medicine to build a strong, healthier, happier and a stronger community.

Mbabazi also thanked the President for being the champion of the pandemic as the country is being recognized  as the best in Africa as per the control of the pandemic. He emphasized the public to follow Sop’s, go for vaccination, wear musks and to also avoid crowded places.

After almost two years of restrictions,  President Yoweri Museveni in his address to the nation on 28th October 2021 announced the reopening of the economy in January.

On Sunday 17th December, the office of the President in conjunction with the Ministries of  Education, Health and  Information organized the “Remain Vigilant Against Covid Run” at Kololo independence grounds in Kampala.

The run that was graced by several government dignitaries was also attended by Uganda’s international athletics stars that included David Emong, Stephen Kiprotich, Peruth Chemutai and many others.

In her speech, the State  Minister in charge of Primary Health Care  Margaret Muhanga warned that Covid 19 is still with us in Uganda because lately about 200 people test positive on a daily basis and there is need for us all to be vigilant as we celebrate in this festive season.

Hon. Muhanga also added that their target of vaccinating 4.8million people before the economy reopening already surpassed to 9million which gives hope on re opening next year.

In addition to that she is in shock by the eldery  population who are still hesitant on  vaccination, She urged the youth to encourage their parents to go for jabs because when patients overwhelm health centers it will only be worse for them.

The Minister also told Ugandans that over 19 million doses are available to different centers countrywide so they should go get vaccinated without fail and fear of vaccines un availability.

Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi who was the chief runner thanked the organizers and participants for their struggle in promoting Covid 19 vigilance.

Mbabazi further  reminded the public that sport is not about winning and neither a luxury but a medicine to build a strong, healthier, happier and a stronger community.

Minister  Kasule Lumumba thanked the scientists including Professor Ogwang for bringing a solution to Ugandans.

Hon. Lumumba narrated her Covid story and later urged those Ugandans who have survived covid to change their diets, reduce on carbohydrates, exercise and also share information on various platforms for everyone to remain vigilant.

The COVID 19 RUN   was organised by the Ministry of Health  which also used the opportunity to provide vaccination at the venue while  the Uganda Red-cross Society offered support through blood donation drives.   

 Photos by Elly Atugonza