UGX81billion to be spent on face masks as government starts mass distribution

By Wanambwa M. Rogers 

Kampala,Uganda (RTN) - After a directive was given by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni last month that all Ugandans who intended to move in public should wear masks, he also gave a directive for the mass production and subsequent distribution of face masks for every Ugandan above the age of 6.

Now according to the Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, is to spend UGX81billion to acquire and distribute these masks to the 30million Ugandans that fit this category.

On Wednesday this week, First Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali flagged off the first consignment of 750,000 face masks that were to be distributed starting in the border districts of Kyotera, Rakai, Adjumani and Amuru.

Speaking to journalists, the minister of health said, "The process will cost the government about UGX81billion. UGX79billion is the cost of the masks while UGX2billion is the cost of distribution."

During May this year, while presenting the Ministry of Health's performance report(as regards to the NRM Manifesto), Dr Aceng said government was to spend UGX35billion to procure and distribute the face masks to 33million Ugandans.

In that plan, the face masks were to be procured for UGX1,000.  

Apparently, however, each of these face masks that are going to be distributed is valued at UGX2,400. This is UGX1,400 more than. what the minister had earlier said.

In explanation, the minister said that "The masks are made of three layers; the outer layer is 65% polyester, and 35% cotton. The middle layer is made of chiffon and the innermost layer is made of cotton."