Another Ugandan female MP Succumbs to COVID-19

The Member of Parliament for Kamuli Municipality Rehema Watongola has succumbed to Covid-19 infection at Mulago National Referral hospital where she had been admitted.

54-year-old Watongola becomes the second MP to succumb to the virus after Pallisa district Woman MP, Faith Alupo who passed on in September.

According to data released by the Ministry of Health on November 12, Uganda had cumulative 15,402 Covid-19 cases and Wotongola’s death could increase the number of deaths which was 144.  The country had had 8,038 recoveries.

Watongola, had lost the Kamuli Municipality National Resistance Movement primaries held in August this year to Mastula Namatovu and claimed that mercenaries from the National Unity Platform influenced the polls.

She proceeded and was nominated as an independent candidate for the 2021 General elections

There has been a surge in new positive cases with authorities advising Ugandans to adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures especially following the phased reopening of the country.

Matters are made worse by politicians who have been mobilizing their supporters for processions and mass rallies.

President Museveni who is the NRM candidate has opted for small meetings and media addresses, insisting on safety.

Citing his campaign theme ‘Securing Your Future’, Mr. Museveni said recently that “We cannot secure your future when you are dead” urging his supporters not to endanger themselves by gathering in large numbers. Meanwhile, his competitors especially Robert Kyagulanyi and Patrick Amuriat continue to mobilize their supporters for rallies and processions in total disregard of the SOPs aimed at curbing COVID-19.

The Electoral Commission has demanded police action against this and in most cases, the police has intervened to disperse the crowds and processions