The minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has opened up on the viral pictures in which she is seen violating the COVID-19 social distancing rule.
Contrary to social media reports where the minister was pinned for holding a political rally, Aceng says she was launching the distribution of face masks in Aromo Subcounty when she got overwhelmed by the excited youth who rushed to see her and were difficult to control.
Below is her full statement
Dear All,
My attention is drawn to social media posts of pictures of me meeting crowds with no social distancing and no masks and even alleging that I was holding a political rally.
I would like to reiterate that I was not holding a political rally. I was launching the distribution of face masks in Aromo Subcounty and training people on how to properly use the masks on Friday 10 July 2020.
However, at the time, village health teams and other youth were also being oriented on the processes for distribution of the Long lasting mosquito net distribution near by.
They got excited when they heard about face masks, and specifically the Minister for health whom they call ‘mama Corona’ and rushed to see me. They were difficult to control as seen in the picture as many wanted to take pictures and also get masks from me.
I took time to educate these youth on the same as well as on the face masks. They left as very knowledgeable people appreciating the importance of face masks and social distancing.
As the Minister who is at the helm of the Corona response and an aspiring Woman MP of Lira District, I am cognizant of the rules and guidelines that we as government have put in place.
I continue to appeal to you all to wear your masks, maintain social distance and wash your hands with soap regularly to prevent COVID19.
Dr Jane Ruth Aceng
Minister for Health
12 July 2020.