Minister defends proposal for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination

By Moses Ndhaye

Health minister Jane Aceng has defended the Shs4M fine that the government seeks to impose on individuals who decline mass vaccination, saying the move is intended to protect vulnerable members of the community.

The Minister had appeared before Parliament’s Health Committee to present the Public Health Amendment Bill 2021.

Clause 47 of the bill seeks to make mass vaccination mandatory in case of the occurrence or threats of an outbreak of any disease.

Government also proposes that a person who fails to comply with a requirements stipulated under this section commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred currency points (Shs4M) or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both.

Health Committee Chairperson Dr Charles Ayume supported the proposal arguing that the penalties prescribed are punitive enough.

Written by Noelyn Nassuuna