State Minister of Finance in charge of Investment and Privatisation, Ms Evelyn Anite is on spot again, for conducting a mass campaign rally in in total breach of the Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during the lockdown.
In a video circulating on social media, Evelyn Anite held a procession of hundreds of her supporters in Koboko District marching and chanting her name in disregard of measures set by government in prevention of coronavirus spread. Ms Anite is the area MP and seeking re-election to parliament.
The video has since aroused debate on the impunity by politicians affiliated to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) who have been severally implicated in actions that put lives of Ugandans at risk of contracting coronavirus including Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Capt. Mike Mukula and health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng.
Last month, Anite was in the spotlight alongside Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng and Miister Ephraim Kamuntu for holding illegal mass gatherings during the lockdown. It was alleged that Ms Anite staged a campaign rally of more than 100 people in Koboko Municipality without observing social distancing.
The action has also attracted criticism from opposition figures calling her action provocative and a demonstration of double standards in enforcement of laws since meetings for opposition politicians have on several occasions, dispersed with full force from police.
Mass gatherings and processions were banned in Uganda as one of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and SOPs were developed to regulate public meetings including mandatory wearing of face-masks, hand-washing and social distancing.
“Arrogant & highly provocative double standards: NRM/M7 Junta Minister Anite’s campaign procession is OK, while regime opponents can’t even be allowed to talk on FM radios!” Former Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President, Dr. Kiiza Besigye said.
“As I was being blocked from appearing on a radio, this is what politicians aligned with the regime are doing this! CITIZENS, we must and shall fight on, until all Ugandans are equal in rights and dignity.” Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) President, Hon Kyagulanyi Sentamu said.
The Video showing Minister Anite’s procession in Koboko District.
As I was being blocked from appearing on a radio, this is what politicians aligned with the regime are doing this!
CITIZENS, we must and shall fight on, until all Ugandans are equal in rights and dignity. pic.twitter.com/0WK2AhdwSi
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) August 8, 2020