By Ritah Kemigisa
The government will have to pay at least Shs 2.3 trillion if it is to immunize an estimated 45 million Ugandans who make up the country.
On Monday, the cabinet approved the procurement of 18 Million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in a meeting at the statehouse, Entebbe.
However, Uganda has an estimated population of 45 million people.
Each dose of the vaccines will cost the government USD 7 about Shs 25,600.
An eligible individual will have to receive 2 doses of the vaccine which is USD 14.
In a KFM analysis, it means the government will pay an estimated Shs 2.3 trillion if the entire population is to get the required two doses of the vaccine.
However, according to the cabinet, the first 18 million doses of the Astra Zeneca Vaccine from the serum institute of India they have ordered for will only be used to vaccinate 9 million persons from the age of 50 years and above, health workers, teachers, security personnel and people with underlying health conditions among others.
The order so far made will only be confirmed upon payment of five million dollars.