The Ministry of Health has come out to clarify on reports that Covid19 vaccines had been secretly sold to Hamis Kiggundu, a city tycoon and property mogul saying it’s untrue.

Earlier reports had indicated that the Ministry last week gave Hamis Kiggundu 2,000 doses of Astrazeneca to immunise his tenants and workers purporting that it was a show of gratitude for his recent donation of Shs 530million towards government’s efforts to fight Covid19.

But the ministry says that the vaccines are in no way connected to Kiggundu’s donation but rather an offer he made to help organize vaccination amid restrictions in movement.

“Due to the lockdown, there has been a general low turn up for vaccination in the Kampala Capital City. This prompted us to adjust the vaccination rollout plan and allocate more vaccines to Wakiso District where most of the people in Kampala reside,” the Ministry wrote in a statement.

“On 3rd July 2021, Hamis Kiggundu, a Kampala Businessman, volunteered to mobilize eligible people among the business community for vaccination by transporting them and ensuring that all COVID-19 SOPs are fully adhered to.

“This act of kindness to support the COVID-19 vaccination exercise is in no way linked to the donation that he offered. It should be noted that Mr. Kiggundu’s contribution will be merged with the efforts of Government to procure additional vaccines, a process that is underway.”

The Ministry further revaled that similar vaccination outreach exercises have previously been carried out at various office premises including the Uganda Revenue Authority, The Inspector General of Government’s office, among others.

This is not the first time the Covid19 vaccination process has been hit by scandals. Earlier in June, Police arrested 12 people including nurses over theft of 600 doses of Astrazeneca vaccine.

The vaccines were recovered at First Pharmacy Mulago-Wandegeya and Victoria Pharmacy in Ntinda