Covid-19: Pastor arrested over controversial statements on virus
- Uganda police have arrested Pastor Augustine Yiga of Revival Church Kawala for claiming Covid-19 is flu and does not exist in the country
- The police said he will be grilled on what he meant by his claims and given the chance to explain himself
- The country's authorities also added that his misinformation could be seen as an attack on its citizens
The police in Kampala, Uganda, have arrested Pastor Augustine Yiga of Revival Church Kawala for spreading false information and creating “harmful propaganda” about coronavirus.
In a viral video, the pastor said that the virus was nothing more than flu and is not in Uganda. His arrest came because he was seen as thwarting government plans and efforts in containing the virus, All Africa reports.
"The pastor is suspected to have said, in a video recording branded by BBS TV, that the Covid-19 is not in Uganda.
"The video that went viral undermines government efforts in fighting the pandemic and exposes the public to dangers of laxity in observing the guidelines issued," Uganda police said in a tweet.
Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman said the cleric was arrested so that he could be questioned over his misleading statements.
Source: UGC
The officer said that his statements can be seen as promoting the virus and an attack on the people of the country.
"The action of Pastor Iga promotes the spread of the COVID 19 and can, therefore, be considered as a direct attack on the people of the Republic of Uganda.
"Therefore, the suspect, who is currently detained at Old Kampala Police station will be interviewed to establish the motive behind the dangerous utterances," he said.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that one of Africa's world-known billionaires, Aliko Dangote, tested negative to coronavirus.
He said that he took the decision to test because he is a global citizen. The billionaire also said that the outbreak has greatly affected the modern world and disrupted everyone's health and well-being.
In a subsequent tweet, he said that he is championing an initiative called Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) with other world business leaders.
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In other news, a Nigerian Twitter user with the handle @Rach_eye narrated how her mother made wear their Sunday's best for the church service they held at home on Sunday, March 29.
It should be noted that as the country battles coronavirus, there has been a nationwide directive suspending large gatherings which affected all religious houses.
The user attached videos to the said tweet, saying her mum even collected offering as it is the custom in the church.
The lady also said her mom informed them that she will be dropping the offerings in the church when the pandemic is over and churches are reopened.
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