In a surprising turn of events, President Museveni has revealed that his recent COVID-19 test results have come back negative. The announcement was made during the State-of-the-Nation Address, 11 days after the President entered self-isolation upon contracting the virus.
President Museveni, aged 78, expressed his relief, stating, “On the war with corona, it is now confirmed that I am a veteran graduate of the war with that enemy.”
He explained that he had experienced mild symptoms resembling a pre-flu condition on Tuesday, but he initially disregarded them. It wasn’t until the following day when he experienced a slight runny nose that he decided to consult his doctors and get tested.
The President, known for his cautious approach to health and strict adherence to COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures, expressed uncertainty about how he contracted the virus. It remains a mystery, as he has consistently followed the necessary precautions.
It is worth noting that on June 7, President Museveni addressed Parliament in person as part of his State-of-the-Nation address at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. However, Opposition MPs boycotted the event, accusing him of wasting taxpayers’ money on unnecessary COVID-19 tests required for attendance.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mr Mathias Mpuuga, criticized the President’s spending on virus tests, labeling it as “reckless expenditure.”
Mpuuga advised President Museveni and his family members to adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures if they were genuinely concerned about the virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared was no longer a global emergency.
Mpuuga further urged the President to conduct virtual meetings instead of subjecting individuals who wished to meet him to costly COVID-19 tests, ultimately burdening taxpayers.
President Museveni’s test results were initially disclosed during the State-of-the-Nation Address. He clarified that he took separate cars with his wife, Janet Museveni, to the Kololo event on June 7 to ensure precautions were maintained. He emphasized his commitment to defeating the virus and preventing its spread.
Additionally, the President revealed that he had ceased using facemasks due to experiencing throat irritations. He shared his transition from relying on the first line of defense, which includes masks and social distancing, to focusing on the second line of defense, comprising immunization, nutrition, and necessary therapeutics.
He also questioned the delay in regularizing the use of “covidex,” a claimed cure for COVID-19, emphasizing the need for prompt clarification from the relevant authorities.
President Museveni expressed gratitude to those who had been praying for his recovery, acknowledging their support during his illness.