Kyamuzigita says the broadcasters on the community radios have been mobilizing people to attend burials in huge numbers contrary to the presidential guidelines restricting burials to 20 people.
He explains that the high number of people attending burials and weddings partly accounts for the surge in COVID-19 cases in the district, which has compelled them to stop the announcements.
Kyamuzigita urges residents to leave burials to close family members as directed by the president while announcing the second lockdown. He, however, did not specify the penalty for those found violating the ban.
Benjamin Makanga, the Nakaseke sub-county LC V councilor welcomed the ban on death announcements, saying it may help reduce the numbering of people attend burials.
Makanga says that some people in villages are still reluctant to adhere to the Presidential directives because they have lost anyone to COVID-19 in their community.
“We have three people who died and will be buried today in Kigege parish. They have notified me as a leader but I won’t attend but you may find huge numbers there,” Makanga said.
Lwanga said there was a need to continue sensitizing the public about the dangers of attending burials amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Moses Ssenfuma, the LC 3 Chairperson of Kapeeka sub-county, says the ban is minor and asked the Task Force to ensure that the Presidential directives are enforced. Ssenfuma says that the Police can monitor burials within the communities and ensure that they comply with the restrictions.
The Nakaseke task force has also launched mass COVID-19 testing to ensure those with the virus are detected early and enrolled on treatment within homes. The mass testing will begin today at Ngoma Health Center IV, Semuto HC IV, Kiwoko and Nakaseke hospital.
The task force has advised any sick person to travel to Health Center for treatment and further referrals without necessary seeking travel permits from either LC 1 Chairpersons or the Office of RDC.
In Nakasongola, the Task Force has closed the district headquarters for two days starting today to disinfect all offices after four staff tested positive for the virus.
The task force has also ordered selected staff to return to work on Wednesday 30 June with negative COVID-19 test results. At least 80 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nakasongola district.