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THE SENIOR PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR ON DISAPORA AFFAIRS, AMBASSADOR ABBEY WALUSIMBI ADDRESSING THE MEDIA ABOUT THE TORONTO COVID AWARDS AT UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE IN KAMPALA.
Kampala, (UG):- Uganda’s President, H.E Yoweri Museveni is set to receive a global award for his hardline policies that kept coronavirus infections and related deaths far below alarming projections by health experts during the Covid-19 pandemic era.
The Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi confirmed the development saying the President will receive the award during the first-ever international Post-covid-l9 conference, scheduled for July 11th – 13th this year in Toronto, Canada.
Amb Walusimbi said H.E Jessica Alupo, the Vice President will head the Ugandan delegation on behalf of President Museveni.
“Yes, He [Museveni] will be awarded at an international platform in recognition of his significant role in leading Ugandans who required high levels of visionary stewardship and decision-making during the pandemic,” Ambassador Walusimbi said during a Friday press briefing at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala.
The President, according to Ambassador Walusimbi, will be recognized alongside his Kenyan counterpart, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta and selected prominent Ugandans who fought hard to contain the pandemic at minimal levels in the East African community.
Some of the selected Ugandans include; former Minister, Prof Mary Karooro Okurut, current Health Minister; Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Science and Technology Minister; Dr Monica Musenero, Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine, and Prof Patrick Engeu Ogwang, the proprietor of Covidex Herbal Syrup.
Ambassador Walusimbi said the Canada event is expected to attract over 500 influential figures from across the universe as experts and stakeholders discuss the post-pandemic recovery efforts, particularly focusing on public health responses and ethical considerations in designing and implementing and preparing the global community to respond to future global shocks and emergencies in a unified well-coordinated effort.
Uganda, will also at the event be recognized as a role model for containing deadly pandemic outbreaks at the conference whose theme is: “Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19, On Humanity- Building Synergies and Resilience for Future Global Shocks”.
The Minister of State for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon Kabuye Kyofatogabye hailed the Ambassador for steering the covid conference saying the theme is in line with the NRM 2026 Manifesto’s theme “ Securing the Future”.
“This is because the organisers are actually people of Afro descent and the founder is a Canadian of Uganda Origin together with Canadian, USA and global partners as being promoters of our ideological orientations of NRM, of Prosperity for all, Peace and Security and brotherhood, are looking at building the future together which is ready for timely and effective response to any challenge,” said Mr Kabuye Kyofa.
“Therefore, our participation in the conference in Canada is premised on the fact that Uganda does not exist in isolation and was a champion of response and resilience of the pandemic. This was because of the strategic leadership of HE the President,” he added.
Full list of Ugandan nominees selected for the Toronto Covid containment award
| No. | Name | Designation | Reason for nomination |
| 1. | Minister of Health | Committed public engagement, and support to media output related to Covid | Minister Emeritus for the presidency |
| 2 | Dr Diana Atwine | Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health | Health communication and management during Covid |
| 3 | Dr Specioza Kazibwe | Former Ugandan Vice President | Consultant epidemiologist and national Covid-19 task force |
| 4 | Prof Pontiano Kaleebu | Director Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) | UVRI groundbreaking research on Covid-19 treatment and local vaccine development. |
| 5 | Mary Karoro Okurut | Former minister in charge of general duties | Resource mobilization in fight against Covid-19 |
| 6 | Esther Mbayo | Minister Emeritus for the Presidency | Leader of all regional and district Covid-19 taskforces |
| 7 | Dr Emmanuel Katongole | Chairman Quality chemicals | Public sector resource mobilization towards anti- Coronavirus efforts |
| 8 | Prof. Dr Patrick Ogwang | Covidex developer | Developer of the lifesaving Covidex herbal treatment. |
| 9 | Lt Col Dr Henry Kyobe (UPDF) | Senior epidemiologist | Covid-19 incident commander under UPDF |
| 10 | Francis Okello (UPDF) | National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) | NEC producing crucial oxygen amid supply shortages in hospitals |
| 11 | Uganda People’s Defence Forces | National army | Law and order, distribution of relief items |
During the forthcoming conference, Ambassador Walusmbi revealed that the Toronto Declaration is expected to be adopted, where all participating countries will come up with a position of public health preparedness to address global pandemics.
“We also aim to sign bilateral collaborations from the B2B and identify export opportunities, secure healthcare partnerships and medical supplies, explore tourism opportunities, education exchange programs, and enhance our national brand image,” Mr Walusimbi said.
The Toronto Covid Awards Ceremony is being organized by the Office of the Senior Advisor on Diaspora Affairs under the Office of the President in conjunction with the Canadian government, United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO), African Union, Livelihood Development Initiatives International (LDII), The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Global Affairs Canada and Continental Investments Llc-Vietnam