Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |Â The continued closure of bars by the government is posing more health risks to Ugandans as a number of bar operators have decided to operate illegally, according to the beverage distributors. The distributors and wholesalers of the alcoholic drinks say that many bar owners have …
Read More »Uganda’s economy on recovery trend
Kampala, Uganda | Xinhua |Â Uganda’s economy is on a recovery trend from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report by the ministry of finance showed Wednesday. The monthly performance report for October showed that for the fourth consecutive month, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has …
Read More »Uganda Virus Research Institute finds RDTs unfit for COVID-19 testing
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |Â The Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are not reliable in clinically diagnosing the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) has found. Dr. Pontiano Kaleebu, the Executive Director of UVRI told a meeting of COVID-19 researchers on Wednesday that they have screened more than 20 …
Read More »Medics seek alternative methods for COVID-19 testing
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |Â Medics treating COVID-19 patients and those carrying out testing of samples want the government to introduce alternative tests for COVID-19. Currently, the government recommends the use of PCR tests as the best way to determine whether someone has COVID-19 or not. The tests are estimated …
Read More »KAHERU: Electoral Commission should suspend physical campaigns
COMMENT | Crispin Kaheru | The incidents of violence at hand in different parts of the country points to one thing: that as a country we have failed the test of a âhybrid electionâ amidst Covid-19 pandemic. It is therefore prudent that the Electoral Commission (EC) suspends physical campaigns with …
Read More »Pfizer and BioNTech say COVID-19 vaccine 95% effective
Mainz, Germany | THE INDEPENDENT | Drug companies Pfizer and BioNTech have conclude Phase 3 Study of their COVID-19 Vaccine candidate BNT162b2 , whose primary efficacy analysis demonstrates it to be 95% effective against COVID-19 beginning 28 days after the first dose. According to a statement, efficacy was consistent across …
Read More »Import substitution makes a comeback in Africa
As African industrialisation progresses and Covid-19 impacts on long supply chains, the notion that African economies should produce more locally is gaining traction. Liam Taylor reports. Every time a foreign dignitary visits Cipla Quality Chemical Industries Limited (CiplaQCIL), they plant a tree. Visiting presidents show up so frequently that the grassy verge …
Read More »Health Ministry baffled by reports of COVID-19 cases in schools
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Health has started investigations of the source of COVID-19 infections in schools following a number of cases reported in Masaka and Gulu districts. The development comes after 45 students from several educational institutions reportedly tested positive for the virus in Masaka …
Read More »Surging interest rates could slow economic recovery
Lending to be directed to sectors crucial to socio-economic development including SMEs, trade, industry and agri-business Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Interest rates have risen over the past two quarters this year but commercial bank executives say current levels are still fair to both lenders and borrowers. The latest …
Read More »Covid-19 cases overwhelm Kabarole District
Kabarole, Uganda |Â THE INDEPENDENT |Â The number of people with COVID-19 in Kabarole has increased to 23, leaving the district task force with no option other than resorting to home-based management. Brian Kisembo, the COVID-19 Incident Manager in Kabarole, says that so far, five of the cases are admitted at …
Read More »