No election is happening during COVID-19, Uganda President says

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed talks of a general election during the coronavirus pandemic.

He also added that if the virus does not abate by July, then elections in early 2021 would have to be reviewed.

There are 122 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Uganda so far, with no deaths.

Public gatherings including political rallies have already been banned as part of social distancing measures to halt the spread of the virus, BBC reports.

At least 24 candidates have declared interest to challenge President Museveni and had started grassroot meetings. These have been put on hold because of coronavirus.

38-year-old MP and musician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has emerged as a strong contender against President Museveni who has been in power since 1986.