Simon Peter Kandole, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kapchorwa district has succumbed to COVID-19.

We’ve learnt that Kandole breathed his last in the wee hours of Monday June 28, 2021 at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital where he was admitted in intensive care in critical condition on Friday.

Kapchorwa district LC V chairperson, Evelyn Kubalika said that the CAO tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday last week.

She explained that when Kandole felt unwell, he decided to self-isolate but his condition deteriorated on Friday and was rushed to Mbale Regional Hospital where he was put on oxygen.

Kubalika decried the negative attitude among residents about the pandemic, saying that the majority do not believe the disease is real. She said that the death of the CAO should send a strong message to the public about the need for extra vigilance and implementation of COVID-19 prevention measures.

Robert Owili Abiya, the Deputy CAO Kapchorwa district said that Kandole’s death has come at a time when the district is battling a surge in COVID-19 cases.

He added that the deceased who had served as CAO for three and half years was transferred recently to Arua district and was planning to hand over the office when he contracted the virus.

By the time of filing this story, the deceased’s body was being prepped for transfer to Mulago National Referral Hospital from where it will be taken to Kibaale district for burial.

Dr. Emmanuel Tugaineyo, the Director Mbale Regional Referral Hospital said the deceased was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and was placed on life support.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Robina Nabanja also posted about Kandole’s death on her social media page.

“Our brother Kandole Simon Peter who hails from Kibaale, son of Late Kazairwe has breathed his last at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital this morning. Banange Covid-19 is real, as we struggle to survive let us observe SOPs. I know we shall get over this someday” she posted.

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