President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has spoken out rumors that the viral haemorrhagic Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has hit the densely populated city.
Residents in the Ugandan capital Kampala were thrown in panic on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, after Dr Jane Ruth Aceng’s Ministry of Health confirmed that Kampala had registered its first Ebola Virus Disease death.
When he delivered his second Ebola address on Wednesday, October 12, President Museveni sought to set the record straight regarding the outbreak of the disease in the Ugandan capital.
Museveni said there was not yet any confirmed Ebola case in Kampala but added that some contacts were being followed up.
“There has been a lot of rumors and anxiety about confirmed cases of Ebola in Kampala City, specifically Kiruddu Hospital. I would like to inform the general public that there is no confirmed case of Ebola in Kampala City,” noted Museveni.
“As I already indicated to you, a confirmed case was admitted at Kiruddu Hospital from Mubende and died. Twenty Four people have been listed as contacts and are under quarantine. This event shows you the possibility of Ebola erupting in Kampala if we are not vigilant and people remain defiant to medical advice.”
The president also revealed that a number of people in both Kampala and Wakiso had rushed to health facilities for Ebola tests after presenting with Ebola-like symptoms but had been found to be EVD negative.
“In addition, because of the current epidemic, there are so many people reporting signs and symptoms similar to Ebola within Kampala and Wakiso,” the president added.
“Several such alert cases have been tested and the results have turned out to be negative. The Ministry of Health teams will continue to investigate any such cases and inform the public accordingly.”
The head of state and government assured Ugandans of the Health Ministry’s and partners’ capacity to contain and stop the current outbreak.
“Countrymen, countrywomen, I would like to appeal to you to remain calm and follow guidance from the health workers,” said Museveni.
“Our country has the capacity to control this epidemic. Government is doing everything possible to ensure your safety.”
Meanwhile, Museveni has issued a number of Ebola guidelines and directives, including those on witchdoctors and pastors as well as security personnel. (Read the directives HERE).
