Kampala Central Member of Parliament Mohammad Nsereko has called on government to suspend monthly payable obligations, utility bills and initiate partial release of National Social Security Fund to contributors to counterbalance the adverse economic effects of COVID-19.
Nsereko made the call on Monday, March 23 while addressing journalists at Parliament in which he called upon public to take precaution to be aware that virus kills and do social distancing as recommended by the Ministry of Health.
He also cautioned Ugandans against stigmatising individuals who test positive to the deadly disease saying the victims didn’t apply to fall sick and also warned Ugandans that anyone can fall victim to Coronavirus.
The legislator said President Yoweri Museveni and Ministry of Health officials have so far done a great job but for the guidelines to be effectively implemented, drastic socioeconomic steps needs to be swiftly taken.
“Suspend payment of rent and evictions. This can be done by His Excellence the President signing into law the landlord and tenant bill that parliament passed. This shall in effect cover both commercial and residential tenants. In return land lords can be exempt from payment of rental income tax this financial year,” said Nsereko.
According to the lawmaker, the above measures would save 7 million tenants both commercial and residential level from unnecessary disruption.
He also argued that there is need for Umeme to restrain disconnecting power for next 90 days or reschedule payment and urged Government to rethink its decision to private an important sector like electricity.
In his proposals, Nsereko called on National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to allow saverd access funding to tune of10% stating that the move will be critical at encouraging to save.
Nsereko also commended the medical team that has put it’s line to ensure the pandemic doesn’t cause a catastrophe in Uganda and called on Government to give the medical team a daily motivational allowance, “We should consider an allowance from every person guarding quarantine centers. Can we consider increasing payment to people,” said Nsereko.
