President Yoweri Museveni has advised against the lay off of workers during this coronavirus pandemic that has paralyzed the normal way of life across the globe.
“Laying off workers during this crisis is not a good idea especially because things are going to improve. Instead, I would suggest that these workers are sent on leave and recalled when the situation normalizes. I am very optimistic we are going to be stronger after this crisis,” said Mr Museveni during his televised Labour Day address at State House, Entebbe.
He also noted that the crisis has shown how safe Uganda is, compared to many other places in the world.
“I think during this crisis, people have seen that Uganda might be safer than many places in the world. I have not seen any part of the world safer than Uganda. I suspect, if God gets us through this crisis, people will rush here,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Mr Museveni said all Ugandans may “very soon” be required to wear facemasks indicating that he will likely relax the coronavirus lockdown next week depending on advice from health experts.
“Very soon, we may require everyone to wear a mask. Local manufacturers have already started making them, for instance, Nytil and Fine Spinners,” President Museveni said.
Mr Museveni, however, said that the new preventive measures against the spread of the virus that has seen Uganda registering 83 confirmed cases, would be communicated in his address on May 5.
He also echoed the need to increase salaries for scientists whom he thinks have done a great job in the development of Uganda.
According to him, his government is “mishandling” scientists instead of motivating them to work better.
“On education, we still must support the scientists. Like in the fight against COVID-19, it’s medics on the frontline. Recently, to clear the dam, it was engineers on site. There were some journalists too but they were just watching and waiting to report what we do. We are mishandling our scientists. This must stop. The scientists must be paid and I’m tired of begging. The other time in my caucus I brought the idea of increasing their salary but one of my young MPs said, “they are all teachers”,” he said.
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