Dr. Musenero leaves PAC speechless over Covid-19 tests

Science, Technology, and Innovation minister, Dr. Monica Musenero has said it is no longer necessary for Ugandans to test for Covid-19.

The Minister was appearing before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday to answer queries on why machines were procured to facilitate research and development of COVID-19 vaccines and have never been utilised.

Asuman Busakirwa, vice-chairperson of the committee queried why Covid 19 test is only done during presidential events which raises an issue of double standards.

Asked to explain the situation, Dr. Musenero claims that the president himself insists the test should always be done during any event he attends. She further ascertained that any entity can choose to do the test though it is no longer mandatory.

“According to public health, the risk is low enough. Musenero noted.

Recently, the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament summoned the minister to understand how the sh31b COVID-19 vaccine money was utilized.

The MPs also accused the minister of employing scientists close to her which is against the PPDA Regulations because the project was initiated by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation through the Presidential Science Initiative on Epidemics(PRESIDE).

She however denied the allegations.

Despite the government Investing over sh31b in COVID-19 research, little progress has been made in vaccine development.