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Uganda’s health ministry ‘discussing’ announcement of third Covid-19 death? No, Facebook post fake

A screenshot of what seems to be a post on Uganda’s ministry of health Facebook page says the ministry is discussing where it should announce the country’s third Covid-19 death. The screenshot was posted on a personal Facebook page on 28 July 2020.

It reads: “This Thursday 30 th/07/2021 Uganda will announce her 3 rd death of covid patient but we are still discussing should it be in Mbarara or gulu. Remember to put on your mask just like I taughted you – Jane Aceng #STAYSAFEUG.”

Jane Aceng is Uganda’s health minister. Mbara is a city in the southwest of Uganda, and Gulu a city in the northwest.

On the day the screenshot appeared Uganda confirmed its second Covid-19 death, as the country’s confirmed cases rose to 1,115.

But the screenshot’s spelling mistakes, 2021 date and casual language all suggest it may be fake.

It wouldn’t be the first time Aceng was the target of false rumours. Is the screenshot legit? We checked.



‘Please disregard this fake post’


The post can’t be found on the ministry’s verified Facebook page, from 28 July or any other time. 

But on that day the ministry posted the screenshot on its Facebook page – stamped “fake”.

“Please disregard this fake post circulating on various social media platforms,” its message reads. “The Ministry of Health Facebook account did not issue this post.”

It adds: “This has been created by malicious individuals to deter the public from following the Ministry of Health guidelines and Presidential directives. Please remember to practice Covid-19 preventive measures. Be Vigilant and Stay safe.” – Grace Gichuhi




 

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