Uganda set to provide free face masks to citizens

President Yoweri Museveni on Monday night in a televised address announced that all Ugandans aged 6 and above will be given free face masks by the government.

This he said the free masks will assist in combating the coronavirus pandemic adding that it will be mandatory to wear one in public.

“Since many people were expressing concern that they cannot afford to buy masks and the government wanted to ensure quality and ensure people do not borrow masks, the government has decided to provide masks free of charge to all Ugandans aged 6 and above,” said Museveni.

“These masks like mosquito nets will be distributed through the Local Council system. One mask per person of age 6 and above will be given. It must be worn all the time when you are in public,” he said.

Museveni said local factories are currently producing the masks, noting that each citizen will get a mask by June 2.

Uganda’s population at present is 45.5million. More than 70 percent are aged 6 and above.

The police early this month began enforcing mandatory wearing of face masks while outdoors, as one of the measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Uganda has so far recorded 248 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 63 recoveries, since the outbreak started in the country on March 21.