Uganda’s National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Measures and Implications for Public Governance
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The International Institute of Administrative Sciences
Abstract
This paper analyses Uganda’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Uganda
responded to the pandemic decisively –with context-specific measures which
were underpinned by science rather than fiction –thus registering quick wins
and militating against high infection and death rates which are a norm in other
jurisdictions. The efficacy of Uganda’s response is attributed to early preventive
strategies that were implemented prior to the identification of first COVID-19
confirmed case, the leadership and decisiveness from the topmost decision
making organs, unwavering commitment by political and technical officials,
the scientific and social experience of handling previous viral epidemics,
consistent communication of the guidelines to the populace, effective
coordination of the different institutions and actors, and the involvement
and vigilance of the masses. However, the responses were constrained by
structural and practical challenges such as the limited resources for the health
sector, limited inter-governmental coordination and some hiccups in the
implementation processes. The early lessons from the Uganda’s experience
underscores the critical role of leadership support, effective coordination and
communication mechanisms; and the imperative to pursue whole and multilevel
involvement of institutions and actors– including the population– in the
fight against global pandemics.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19, Pandemic, Response, Lessons, Public governance
Citation
Namara, R. B., Nabaho, L., Karyeija, G. K., Nkata, J. L., & Lukwago, R. (2020). Uganda’s National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Measures and Implications for Public Governance. Good Public Governance in a Global Pandemic, 147.