The minister for Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has ordered politicians who grabbed COVID Response vehicles to surrender them with immediate effect.
Dr Aceng’s directive follow reports that the 282 double cabin pickups which were procured by government to support health workers in COVID-19 surveillance and evacuating Covid cases had been taken over by politicians including District leaders.
In a letter dated December 20, ordered the politicians and district officials in question to return the vehicles for their intended purpose with immediate effect.
The Double cabin pickups that were given to districts for Covid-19 response this year were procured using money donated by well-wishers including Ugandans to enhance transport in districts during the fight against COVID-19.
“It has come to our attention that the vehicles are being used by the political and technical leaders rather than the health workers for intended purpose. Some of you have even gone ahead to rub off the writings on these vehicles. This is a malpractice and misconduct of the highest order and it is unacceptable,” Dr Aceng said in the letter.
UGX 23.9 bn part of the donations was spent on purchase of the double cabin pickups purposely for disease surveillance, laboratory follow up and related errands. Dr Aceng says, this was stressed by herself and President Museveni during commissioning of the vehicles.
“This is therefore, to direct you to ensure that the vehicles are returned with immediate effect to the health Officers to be used strictly for surveillance and COVID-19 vaccination activities” She added.
The December 20, letter was addressed to LCV Chairpersons, City Mayors, CAOs, and Town Clerks.
The Minister also instructed the Health Monitoring Unit and all District Health Officers, City medical officers, municipal medical officers to follow up and inform her in writing in any case not later than December 27, 2021.