Uganda's Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has spoken out on her pictures with a crowd that circulated on social media attracting criticism on how a Minister that 'has been leading the fight against COVID-19 could be in a crowd of people who had no face masks and weren't social distancing.

The pictures have since left many Ugandans thinking the minister had moved away from the fight and started campaigns following her interest in standing for the Lira district Woman MP seat.

In a statement released on the Uganda Media Centre digital platforms, Aceng denies holding a political rally but says she was rather sensitising the locals on the use of face masks and how they can be worn.

She also adds that people were happy when they heard that she was in the area and so they gathered to see "mama corona"

"They got excited when they heard about face masks, and specifically the Minister for health whom they call ‘mama Corona’ and rushed to see me. They were difficult to control as seen in the picture as many wanted to take pictures and also get masks from me," reads part of the statement.

"As the Minister who is at the helm of the Corona response and an aspiring Woman MP of Lira District, I am cognizant of the rules and guidelines that we as the government have put in place," Aceng adds.

Details to follow...