President Yoweri Museveni has called on Ugandans to adopt strict preventive measures following the confirmation of new Ebola cases, warning that physical contact could accelerate the spread of the disease.
Speaking on Monday while addressing National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament during the election of the Speaker, Museveni raised concern over continued handshakes and hugging despite the outbreak.
“Please set an example. There is big problem in Congo. Let’s stop this business of shaking hands and so on. Ebola spreads through physical contact. I was here watching you shaking hands and hugging. Do you people know that there is Ebola? For me I’ve not touched any of you,” he said.
Uganda recently confirmed an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, with several cases reported in the past days.
Health authorities say the infections are largely linked to contact with confirmed patients, including a case involving cross-border movement from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Ministry of Health has since stepped up contact tracing and monitoring of individuals who may have been exposed. Officials say those identified are under close observation, while isolation measures have been put in place for confirmed cases.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, making physical interactions such as handshakes a key risk factor.
The President’s remarks add to growing calls for the public to strictly observe health guidelines, especially in crowded spaces and public gatherings.
Uganda has previously managed to contain Ebola outbreaks, but the current situation has raised concern due to continued movement across the border with Congo and the lack of a specific vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, maintain hygiene practices, and report suspected symptoms early as efforts to contain the outbreak continue.