A Ugandan pastor, Augustine Yiga, has been charged for allegedly denying the existence of coronavirus in the country and in Africa, Daily Trust has reported.
The prominent cleric, who leads the Revival Christian Church, was accused by the country’s authorities of telling his congregation that there “is no coronavirus in Uganda and Africa.”
His prosecutors said his position could cause the spread of the dreaded disease.
“Pastor Yiga of the Revival Christian Church was charged and remanded to prison for doing acts likely to cause the spread of COVID-19,” Ugandan police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said.
“Claiming that COVID-19 doesn’t exist in Africa and Uganda undermines government’s efforts on fighting the epidemic and exposes the public to great danger of laxity in observing the guidelines on control and prevention.”
However, counsel to Yiga, Wilberforce Kayiwa, said the pastor denied promoting the spread of the virus.
Yiga could be jailed for about seven years if found guilty.
Yiga, who is known for holding controversial religious views, runs a television station in the country.
As of March 30, the East African country has confirmed 33 cases of coronavirus.
President Yoweri Museveni has since directed Ugandans to stay home though he is yet to officially ordered a lockdown.
Reports also say schools and other public places have been shut down.
