Dr. Monica Musenero has said that no funds were released directly to the Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE) for Covid-19 vaccine research purposes.
The committee was set up in November 2021 to investigate allegations of irregularities reported on the receipt and utilization of funds for Covid-19 vaccine development by the Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE).
The CID Spokesperson Charles Twine declined to divulge details about the suspects when contacted by URN on phone. However, reliable sources have confirmed the quartet are being detained at Jinja Road Police Station pending further inquiries.
Dr. Tumwesigye says that the inadequate information given to the President has caused anxiety among Ugandans that the country would have a vaccine ready within a short time.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero has defended the cost of mice that are going to aid the process of developing a Covid-19 vaccine in Uganda.
The former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology, David OO Obong has told legislators that Minister Dr. Monica Musenero should provide all accountability regarding the utilization of funds meant to facilitate the COVID-19 vaccine development.
Dr. Musenero requested that the presentations on the status of the ongoing Covid-19 vaccine research be heard by MPs on camera because they need to protect intellectual property.
The call comes amidst a pile of controversies surrounding the use of AstraZeneca, which was initially marketed as the vaccine for the world. The use of the vaccine has been suspended in a number of countries following multiple reports of blood clotting developing in people after vaccination. There have also been concerns over the efficacy of the vaccine in people aged above 65.
Rugunda said that government through the Ministry of Health has worked with the international community and that 9 million doses have been ordered and that they expect them to arrive around March.
