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In Uganda, civilians are bracing for another blockade, but instead of clarifying what to expect last week, the president announced a national day of prayer against the coronavirus.
“A certain Ugandan came up to me and told me that God had told him in a vision that he should organize national prayers for God to free us from Covid-19,” Yoweri Museveni tweeted. “Therefore, by the powers granted to the president. . . I declare August 29, 2020, a day of national prayer and a holiday. Stay in your houses or enclosures and pray. ”
After initial success in fighting the virus amid one of the tightest closures in Africa, Uganda is approaching 3,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Museveni, who has been in power since the 1980s and is set for re-election early next year, has faced criticism for his obvious disconnect from millions of Ugandans, who have been struggling to survive since coronavirus restrictions on them. deprived of a way to survive. generate income.
He banned the distribution of food, saying “opportunistic” politicians would be charged with “attempted murder” if they tried to help their constituents in this way. Later, he tweeted pictures of himself weighing a meal prepared by his staff, and told citizens to limit how much they eat and not consume “splurging.”
Transportation ban
In his last national speech, Museveni threatened to “crush” anti-government protesters. A national transportation ban has led to several deaths, after pregnant women and sick children struggled to access emergency medical care.
On Saturday, Health Minister Jane Aceng hosted a three-hour televised prayer service. “This surely shows that we are a nation committed to the Lord. . . The Lord has been good, very good, and we want to thank him for being good to us. We have lost 28 people, we have not lost the battle, ”he said.
On the same day, outside the main market in the northern city of Gulu, Rwot Oyoro, who calls himself a “General of Jesus” from the Church of the Living Savior, was preaching to passersby. “God said the time will come when 10,000 people will die,” he shouted. “You should start praying.”
Oyoro, who carried a Bible and used a rolled-up card as a “megaphone,” told The Irish Times that he believed the pandemic was the greatest message God had ever sent in his life. “Like Noah’s ark. This is punishment because people think they can do anything. ”
Decades of war
He said that he felt compelled to inform people that they should repent. “God said He would send the devil’s disease. . . No one can do anything to stop it until people accept the word of God. “
In northern Uganda, there is still a widespread belief in spirits and witchcraft. When the pandemic was spreading globally in March, many locals listened to Acholi tribal leaders saying it was important to wake up before dawn and “drive the devil away,” banging on pots and pans and yelling.
This region went through decades of war, prompting people to turn to religion as a way to find comfort. More than 99 percent of Ugandans identify as religious. About 84% of the population is Christian and 14% Muslim. Churches and mosques have been closed since March, as have schools.
“I miss it,” said Linda Adong, a 23-year-old born-again Christian who sold bananas near where Mr. Oyoro preached. “I need to praise the Lord with others. And Bible studies. She went three times a week. “Still, she said she was sure that God would save her from Covid-19.” I’m not afraid because God is there.
