Oxygen shortage hits Uganda as it struggles to combat the second wave of Covid-19

Uganda is currently facing its second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and the situation is not looking to abate any time soon as individuals, vehicles and covariance of all kinds queue at a major supply oxygen production plant in Kampala. These individuals can request for at most 50 cylinders a day but the plant can only meet up to 20. 

This supply plant has been on call 24/7 since the start of the wave in the country and according to the Manager of Rajesh Kumar Production Plant, if the current need rises further, demands cannot be met.

Even though the government tried to be prepared for the possibility of this second by importing more cylinders, it becomes difficult to control the situation when citizens hoarding oxygen-filled tanks in anticipation of harder times are inadvertently causing strain in supply. About 15,000 oxygen-filled tanks are needed to meet daily demands but regardless of the increase in oxygen production, only 3 thousand cylinders are filled per day.

With new measures such as curfews, lockdown and closing of borders and airports, the government hopes will eventually help alleviate the pressure and slow the spread of the disease. 

By Jamila Abdul Wahab Follow on Twitter @activetvgh

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