OPINION
THE government has addressed us enough on the preventive measures that curb down the spread of COVID19!
Prevention is important because it forms the primary line in fighting the pandemic.However, in my thinking, if this government was people centered by now its helping hand would be felt by the citizens.
This may not necessarily mean supplying food or consumables directly to Ugandans because as you are aware the corruption rate in Uganda cannot warrant that, before you know the earmarked funds will be swindled.
Therefore, I strongly believe that exempting taxes on consumables like soap, detergents, sanitizers, etc and household food items can greatly lower the prices of commodities for our people.
Government agencies like NWSC should lower their rates.
My opinion is that, the Minister of Finance cum the President of Uganda can renegotiate the interests on loans already issued by Bank of Uganda to the money lenders.
This will subsequently reduce the interests meant to be paid by Ugandans thus mitigating the pressure on their part.
The other thing is that the government may advise all money lenders and landlords to suspend collection of money during the lock down period.
Important to note is that if government remains indifferent about the welfare of Ugandans, we are bound to register deaths arising from poverty, stress, depressions etc before they even contract COVID19.
Lastly, I wish to advise government agencies enforcing President’s directives, especially Uganda Police Force and the UPDF to stop beating Ugandans under the guise of implementing the directives.
We are Ugandans, Corona Virus found us here and we are here to stay treat us with respect.
#StaySafe, #stopCovid19 and live to see the New Uganda!
The writer Hon. Francis Butebi Zaake is the Member of Parliament for Mityana Municipality, also National Youth Cordinator People Power.
