Nairobi News

Yesterday in Serbia, Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni held a meeting with the President of the National Assembly of the southeast European country, Dr Vladimir Orlic, and his team.

“I shared our common history and struggle for freedom and independence. Marshal Tito supported the anti-colonial struggle in Africa and, although a socialist, refused to be part of the Soviet-Sino quarrels of that time,” said President Museveni after the meeting.

He continued, “We appreciated him so much, and when he died, a delegation of the post-Amin government, of which I was part, came for the funeral. We should continue this struggle for progress and an even better future for our citizens. I thank Dr. Vladimir Orlić for inviting me to the National Assembly.”

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However, not this meeting held the interest and curiosity of his countrymen and neighbours. It was the fact that his aide-de-camp walked behind him and held onto the President’s iconic beige safari hat using what appears to be a handkerchief.

This extra precaution could be attributed to President Museveni being very particular about his health.

In this age of coronavirus, he is known to maintain a large distance between himself and anyone he meets with. His official meetings are often held outdoors, and he is always spotted in a KN95 mask.

He also never greets anyone using handshakes – including fellow presidents and once said he only eats traditional Ugandan foods, which he also packs when he travels abroad.

In June 2023, the 78-year-old President tested positive for coronavirus. This came as a shock to the nation, considering his cautious lifestyle. He revealed this when he decided to attend a public meeting after testing positive for the virus, a faux pas.

“This morning, I was feeling as if I had a cold. I took a rapid Coronavirus test which indicated negative. I did two more tests with deeper analysis. One of them turned out positive, the other was negative. So, I am a suspect of corona as I speak. That’s why I came in a separate car with Mama Janet Museveni,” said President Museveni, according to the Monitor.

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Following this revelation, Museveni was forced to go into isolation and appoint his Prime Minister to take over some of his duties as his Vice President had been out of the country then.

For eleven days, Museveni journaled about his treatment and recovery on social media and the 12th day, he tested negative for the virus.

In light of this illness, it would appear he is taking extra precautions so that he does not contract the virus again, and his aide handling his cap using a handkerchief appears to be one of the measures.

This is because coronavirus spreads when an infected person comes into close contact with a healthy person.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, sing or breath.

It is also possible for people to be infected through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say, “the risk is generally considered to be low.”

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