Uganda's health minister on Thursday condemned bloggers spreading information that she did not take the COVID-19 vaccine despite her doing so in front of journalists.

Jane Ruth Aceng took her inoculation on Wednesday at Mulago Hospital in Kampala to kickstart the East African country's mass vaccination drive, and was joined by other officials including the Permanent Secretary in the health ministry, Diana Atwine.

"It is extremely unfortunate that some bloggers prefer to spread false news to discourage the population against vaccination," said Aceng.

"I got vaccinated yesterday and they have videos to prove that I did that. I did it in open camera and I am extremely glad that I got vaccinated in front of the cameras for the entire population to see and note that vaccination is important. Vaccination works and vaccination is safe."

The minister noted on Wednesday that Uganda aims to vaccinate at least 49.6% of its population, some 21,936,011 people, with COVID 19 vaccines in different phases.

Each phase is planned to cover 20 percent of the target population which is about 4,387,202 people.

The country's vaccination drive will prioritize essential groups, starting with healthcare workers followed by teachers and those in high-risk groups, including the elderly.

By Thursday, the East African country had reported 40,520 COVID-19 infections with 334 deaths.

(With input from agencies)