Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has made the decision to delegate Ruhakana Rugunda, the Special Envoy for Special Duties in the Office of the President, to represent him in the upcoming Russia-Ukraine war meeting scheduled to take place in Kyiv and Moscow. President Museveni cited his positive COVID-19 status as the reason for his inability to attend the meeting in person.
In a recent tweet, President Museveni provided an update on his health condition, revealing that he tested positive for COVID-19 on June 7, 2023. Despite experiencing only mild symptoms such as slight feverishness during the initial days, subsequent tests confirmed his positive status. President Museveni emphasized that he and his wife, Maama Janet, have been taking necessary precautions, with Maama Janet testing negative for the virus.
President Museveni expressed that although it may be too early for another COVID-19 test, the diplomatic pressure surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war situation compelled him to undergo additional testing. The urgency arose from the imminent arrival of six African Presidents from Comoros, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville, and Zambia in Poland. The African leaders are scheduled to travel to Kyiv to participate in mediation efforts. President Museveni had initially planned to join them but had to convey an official message explaining his absence due to his ongoing COVID-19 status. In his place, Dr. Rugunda, who is already present in Poland, will represent Uganda in the discussions with Ukrainian and Russian officials.
President Museveni’s decision not to travel to Kyiv and Moscow will allow him to address the Ugandan Parliament remotely. He expressed his intention to deliver his remarks on the budget day from a distance of 300 meters. Vice President Alupo will represent President Museveni in the official events, including inspecting the parade and delivering closing remarks at the end of the budget speech.
The positive COVID-19 test results came just three days after President Museveni’s return from a 10-day retreat of the ruling party held at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi from May 27 to June 5.
President Museveni’s delegation of Dr. Rugunda as the Special Envoy underscores Uganda’s commitment to international diplomacy despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. The discussions in Kyiv and Moscow hold significant importance in addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Uganda remains actively engaged in mediating efforts despite President Museveni’s absence.
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