Uganda to Produce Covid Jabs in 15years.

Lawmakers on the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament have raised apprehensions following the acknowledgment made by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations officials that the nation might not be able to manufacture a Covid-19 vaccine until 15 years from now, which contradicts the earlier predictions of a significantly earlier timeline.

After an investigation was conducted by the parliament into the funds allocated to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations for the purpose of supporting the production of a Covid-19 vaccine, officials made the admission about the extended timeline.

However, the proceedings of the inquiry were quickly halted when members of the committee got into a disagreement over how to proceed.

During the same parliamentary inquiry, David Obong, who was formerly the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations, disclosed to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament that he was unable to provide a clear account of the funds that were received.

He alleged that the Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Monica Musenero had taken possession of his personal files and records pertaining to the expenditure of the funds in question. This has added to the controversies surrounding the use of funds allocated for the production of a Covid-19 vaccine.

David Obong was one of the several officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations who appeared before the Public Accounts Committee. The committee was chaired by Medard Sseggona, who is the Member of Parliament for Busiiro East.

According to the officials who appeared before the Public Accounts Committee, the relevant files containing information needed for the committee's inquiry had been submitted to the Auditor General's office for investigation.

It is unclear at this time what information those files contain, and whether they will provide the answers that the committee is seeking regarding the use of funds for the production of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The conflicting information and allegations made by the officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations created a division among members of the Public Accounts Committee, causing the session to be adjourned.

The committee was unable to reach a consensus on how to proceed with the matter and ultimately decided to suspend the sitting until Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

In addition to adjourning the sitting, the Public Accounts Committee directed the Clerk of Parliament to provide a copy of the available documents to the former Permanent Secretary, David Obong, to facilitate his defense when he returns to the committee on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

This action was taken to ensure that Obong has access to the relevant information and records that he needs to provide a clear account of the use of funds for the production of a Covid-19 vaccine.