The Ministry of Health is under pressure to clear the return
of 300 Ugandans currently stuck in Saudi Arabia.
The 300 are mostly domestic workers who entered the country
illegally and were in deportation centers, while others do not have funds to
survive in the country, while others tested positive of COVID-19 and want to return
but have no means.
The Ugandans have reportedly been bundled up together in
the same place under the custody of Saudi Arabia, and may be put on a
plane anytime soon.
According to the Ministry of Health’s permanent Secretary
Diana Awine they must answer in 24 hours about clearing the Ugandans'
return.
Atwine who was appearing before the Parliament
committee on Government Assurance
on Wednesday said that the Saudi Arabians are saying they will put the
Ugandans in a plane on Thursday or Friday whether the Ministry clears
them or not.
Atwine told the committee which was looking into Government’s fulfillment of its COVID-19 pledges that they do not have enough
resources, as for instance they have to quarantine the domestic workers at
their own cost and even feed them.
Last evening, the Permanent Secretary, undersecretary and
the Director General and officials from the Ministry of health where still
pondering on their next move, as their capacity is to receive 300 Ugandans every
after two weeks.
Atwine says they were not expecting any more Ugandans until after
two weeks since they received a team of 300 already.
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According to Atwine, several Ugandans returning are coming
without any money and are expecting Government to meet their expenses including feeding.
Atwine says for instance there are over 1000 people currently
being given food by the Ministry, and this include the contacts of the positive
cases.
Alex Otto
Freelancer