The advent of Covid 19 presented the greatest threat to human life and economies around the world since the Second World War.
Global health systems were challenged and overwhelmed by cases. Many countries had to impose full lockdowns to contain the virus.
Uganda registered its first case of Covid 19 on March 21, 2020, when a Ugandan businessman returning from Dubai tested positive for the virus. Soon after, imported cases increased, and finally, the virus swept through the country.
During the Groove Cafe Show on Friday, the Ministry of Health spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona through a phone interview with Crystal said he was happy for having been part of the team that protected and saved the lives of many Ugandans
“During Covid, I was approached by several people who were distressed in need of ambulances, those that needed their relatives transferred and ICU beds. Today when I meet some of those that recovered it keeps me joy and fulfillment because that's what we strive for; to save people’s lives,” he said.
Not only was Covid 19 a learning process for him, but it was also a hectic period because of the public pressure and anxiety that happened especially after the first cases were registered.
“My phone was buzzing each hour and minute that passed until the battery would run out with people asking about the symptoms. People were afraid of the lockdown, I am now happy that life is back to normal. I can now hold a conversation on my phone without interruption. But that was my situation throughout the two years of the pandemic,” Emmanuel narrated.
Ainebyoona was born in Kabale District where both of his parents were literature and English teachers. He grew up to love literature to the extent that he relates the characters' personal lives from literature plays and novels to his own.
He pursued a bachelors in Journalism and Communication at Makerere University. He got a training opportunity with Nation Media group training in Nairobi, where on return, joined the Daily Monitor and worked as a health reporter till he crossed over to the Ministry of Health serving as the spokesperson.
The Groove Cafe with Crystal Newman airs every Weekday from 4-5 pm on RX Radio.
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