

Eswatini: Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Update (16.04.2020)






“Now speaker Rebecca Kadaga warns MPs against speaking about the Shs 10bn they allocated themselves to fight #COVID19. She says, only her, and the parliamentary commission, understand it and are permitted to speak about it #Uganda” (The Observer, 16.04.2020)
We can ask ourselves, as the public is starving, the state is asking for funds from the European Union (EU). The state is getting debt relief from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and so forth. As the Republic is living through a second round of lockdowns.
Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has strongly defended the 20 million shilling handouts to the Members of Parliament or the 10 billion shilling allocations of such. This is a part of a “advocacy fund”, whatever that means. This is at the same time, they are open with plenary session in the midst of lockdown. Meaning they are getting sitting allowances and wages as usual. Not like the MPs are hit by the crisis directly or indirectly. They are still getting paid by the end of the day.
Kadaga knows this and still defends the extravagant spending. The 20 million question is how unaccountable does this woman want to be? At what point is the ridiculous levels taken to far? Or is this a favour of the State House and insurance of loyalty ahead of the 2021 Elections? As they are getting funds directly to them without any opportunity to check what it was used for.
These 20 million shillings can be used on side-dishes, gasoline, house-loans, second-wives or whatever the MPs feel like. They can spend it on the ambulances or whatnot, but also just import chicken from Kenya for all we know. They can invest in their businesses or build another shower in their village home. We don’t know, because its not like they can educate the public or hold rallies of sensitizing the public. There are no drills, no public displays nor education of sanitary efforts towards the COVID-19 within these funds.
This is just a direct bribe. Advocacy to praise the running man and fake Usain Bolt at the State House. That is what it is. 20 millions shillings wasted in the mist of a crisis. To buy loyalty, so they can fresh up their suites and ties. They can look slick and get another side-chick. Hey, when they are not allowed to speak about it. It has to be wasted funds. When it cannot be traced or do reviews of the procurement. It can go to whatever, without question and the MPs can either send it to their slay-queens or not. Because, we don’t know. They are the only ones who knows.
What is striking is how foolish the Speaker is looking and acting. The Parliament whose supposed to be representative of the Republic and be the ones ensuring the funds of the state is spent properly. Are now supposed to be a silent group, only letting her speak on the matter and silently enrich themselves. Where they are getting the money, but they are not understanding the reason for why they are even getting it. That shows even how dumb this whole thing is.
That only the speaker understand, not the MPs who has allocated these funds and who are cashing out. They surely can enjoy the spoils, while the public are eating on Aponye Limited posho and awaiting more food to survive the days in quarantine. Peace.

Many Ugandans are surprised and very angry that the Parliament of Uganda allocated 10 Billion Shillings to itself amidst an unprecedented Coronavirus crisis. The allocation of this money is not only shameful. It is insensitive to the plight of millions of Ugandans who are facing untold challenges ranging from hunger, sickness and even death.
Ugandans are bearing the brunt of this predicament. There have been reports of numerous people failing to access health centers due to limited transport means, and as a result some have succumbed to various ailments. A huge number of people across the country are in dire need of food, healthcare and other essential amenities. The Government has not done much to help them.
Ugandans are therefore justified to be very angry at this selfish action by their ‘representatives’. Our view, however, is that Ugandans should be angrier at the manner by which they are governed- the 20 million shillings is a symptom of a bigger crisis which we are fighting to resolve.
Indeed, government presented a supplementary budget of over 300 billion shillings to Parliament to aid in the fight against COVID19. Many aspects of the budget were not only luxurious, some seemed even dubious! Several legislators raised concerns about the allocation of huge sums of money for things like billboards, but they would not be heard! A Minority Report authored by Hon. Gerald Karuhanga was ignored. The budget was passed without much debate.
It will be recalled that on 24th March, we issued a statement in which we demanded that government diverts monies from all non-essential aspects and diverts it to equipping health facilities across the country, and giving incentives to health workers. Unfortunately, the same government which has never prioritised the healthcare of the people of Uganda ignored our call.
Regarding the 20 million shillings therefore, it appears that yet again, the executive thought that for the supplementary budget to pass with ease, MPs needed to get a share of this money so they don’t resist its passing. We all recall that this has been done countless times, including in the passing of immoral Constitutional amendments, such as the term limit and age limit amendments. On several occasions, MPs have been bribed do the bidding of the Executive. This is why elections matter. This is why it should matter to all Ugandans who they elect for office at every level!
We reject the notion that this money was meant to enable Members of Parliament carry out their roles in this period. The cardinal roles of an MP include; legislation, representation, budget allocation and government oversight. None of these roles require an MP to be an extension of the Executive, in the sense that government should in addition to MPs’ salaries provide a separate budget to each MP to extend services to the people. An MP, just like any other able citizen can avail support to vulnerable people from their personal earnings (something which I personally have done and continue to do), but this money should not be drawn from the tax payers’ money.
Let me clarify that I have not received this money. Should it be deposited on my account, I will immediately order my bank to return it to the Consolidated Fund and demand that it is put to its proper purpose. We must learn to empower institutions and not seek to enrich individuals.
As we have repeatedly said, the focus of our nation at this point should be on building a robust healthcare system, and empowering our healthcare practitioners with all they need, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The People Power Movement will continue to use the available resources contributed by ourselves and other well-wishers to reach out and support some of our people who are in extreme need.
We shall also continue to demand that the government reaches out to all citizens and gives them food relief in these tough times.
And yes, we shall continue struggling day and night to put an end to the decadent and corrupt regime.
Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert
MP- Kyadondo East Constituency &
Leader of the People Power Movement









“Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
The wicked band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death” (Psalms 94: 20-21; New International Version).
Today, the numbers are starting to get worrying. The Tanzanian state now have 88 people whose confirmed with COVID-19 or the Coronavirus. This is up 29 in one day. There is also reported a total of 4 deaths, which is confirmed in connection with the virus. 1 of these death also happen on Zanzibar. The major hub for the disease is still in Dar-es Salaam.
However, the act of the President isn’t a sign of strength. That he trusts God and doesn’t do a lockdown. That the President doesn’t mitigate or social distancing. The blockage of transport into the United Republic isn’t enough. That is the beginning. As the numbers are starting to prove. The rapid rise is on the way. If the President and his team doesn’t act.
This will really hurt the Republic if he doesn’t act. The deaths of Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and United States should be a lesson to the Presidency. Why he should act swiftly and take a cue from them. Instead of doing the same failure and damage by running government like normal and business too.
Tanzania is still keeping churches open. Keeping ordinary trade and ensuring the daily life goes without consequence. Except, there is a rise in cases of COVID-19. The numbers of 29 doesn’t sound to bad now. However, the reason for worry is that the virus spreads between 1,5 times to 4 times from one carrier. Unless, there is a mitigation or trying to control the outbreak. Nevertheless, that is not the case in concern with Tanzania. As the President and his men doesn’t do anything substantial.
They are only praying to God, who got the antidote and got the cure. The man who prays, asks for eternal powers and helps from the Almighty. Still, the man who does that doesn’t listen to advice or to what happens elsewhere in the world. As the numbers are rising. The outbreak is worsening and its only starting. As always in these manners, not everyone is tested and there are hidden numbers. Since, it is official rising numbers should worry CCM and Magufuli.
Though, I think it has to hit harder before he reacts. There has to be sudden death in the Court of the President. If not in the mere sphere of the chambers of power. Some sort of relative to his allies or the President. Than, he might react and be reactionary.
Until then, the lie will continue. The lies of the state will be there. God gave you a mind. Use it and use the wisdom has given you. God has given you warnings and science, use it for the common good. Don’t be a fool, Mr. President. It is not worth losing these people’s lives, because of your ego and your will.
Right now is the time to act and do something. Before the pandemic hits home. It is starting, the knocking on the doors are happening. It is your turn to act like a leader and guide the public. Peace.
