Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni declared an exemption from mandatory COVID-19 testing for delegates during the Non-aligned movement summit in January.
In a tweet shared from his official account, President Museveni cited consultations with several NAM stakeholders, revealing that some delegates expressed concerns about exposing their DNA.
The decision to forego compulsory coronavirus testing during the summit stems from a consideration of these concerns raised by a portion of the NAM delegates.
President Museveni’s statement highlighted the desire to respect the privacy and preferences of the attendees, especially regarding their genetic information.This announcement brings forth a deviation from the usual health safety protocols enforced during large-scale gatherings amidst the ongoing global pandemic.
However, it underscores the importance of diplomatic considerations and respect for the privacy of attendees at such international conferences.
The move has sparked varied reactions, with some supporting the decision as a gesture of respect for individual privacy rights, while others express concern about potential health risks associated with waiving mandatory COVID testing in a large gathering of international delegates. The NAM summit, set to take place amid this exemption, is expected to host leaders from numerous member nations.
Despite the waiver of mandatory testing, additional health measures may still be implemented to ensure the safety of attendees amidst the prevailing COVID-19 situation.
