Museveni takes 'forced leave' after contracting Covid-19
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has taken a 'forced leave' after testing positive for Covid-19.
In a statement on Thursday, Museveni said he has delegated his duties to Prime Minister Robinah Nabanjja.
He explained that this will be his second 'forced leave' as president in the last 53 years.
"I have, therefore, got the second forced leave in the last 53 years, ever since 1971, when we started fighting Idi Amin. One other time, was when I had a problem with sinuses and I had to lie low for some days at Mweya," he said.
"I have therefore, self-isolated at Nakasero and I have delegated my work for today and tomorrow (Heroes’ Day in Luwero) to Prime Minister, Robinah Nabanjja."
He said that he is in good health and only experiencing mild symptoms.
"However, I always prefer to be on the side of caution and self-isolate for now."
On Wednesday, Museveni said he had had symptoms of a cold and upon taking three tests, one of them tested positive for Covid-19.
In a statement on Thursday, the President explained the events of Wednesday morning, saying he had noticed some mild flu-like symptoms in his right nostril.
This prompted him to call his doctors who took three samples, including one rapid and two PCRs, to test for Covid-19.
"The rapid one was negative and so was one of the PCRs. However, one of the PCRs was positive," he said.
As a precaution before reconfirmation of his health status, the President, who had to travel to deliver the State of the Nation address at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, drove in separate cars from his wife.