UGANDAN AUTHORITIES IMPOSE CURFEW AND CLOSE PLACES OF WORSHIP TO CURTAIL THE SPREAD OF EBOLA VIRUS

Caroline Ameh

President Yoweri  Museveni of Ugandan has imposed curfew in some districts to curtail the spread of ebola virus in the country. In a nationwide broadcast, monitored by Diplomatic Digest, the president said there are 58 confirmed cases and 19 deaths. So far, 20 people have recovered from Ebola.

According to Museveni “ Last time, I spoke to you about some people that were difficult, lying to us, hijacking dead bodies and moving from district to district including coming to Kampala City. This movement and deceit has not changed and the risk of spreading Ebola to other parts of the country remains very high. Ebola, as you know, is highly infectious and deadly. It greatly affects the economy and tourism industry. If not adequately controlled, Ebola may spread beyond Uganda. Ebola cases have continued to increase in the communities of Mubende and Kassanda districts. You have heard about the 3 individuals that escaped from Mubende and came to Kampala – Twagiira Yezu, his wife – Mutoni and another person from Kassanda. There 2 is also alot of movements of people into Mubende and Kassanda because of the following reasons: Mining purposes, family relationships, culture and traditions. We also know that some people move out of these districts to seek treatment from traditional healers and witchdoctors”.

He stated further that “given the gravity of the problem and to prevent further spread and, protect lives and livelihoods, Government is taking extra measures that require action from all of us. All these measures shall start with immediate effect and will last 21 days because the incubation period for Ebola is up to 21 days.”

Some of the measures announced were:

#Movements into and out of Mubende and Kassanda Districts is prohibited. #Movement from Kassanda to Mubende and vice versa is prohibited. # There will be Curfew in Mubende and Kassanda Districts starting from 7:00pm to 6:00am.# Movement of persons within their respective district (Mubende and Kassanda) is allowed. #Public transport, private transport and Boda-bodas are NOT permitted to move.

All places of worship, all bars, places of entertainment and gyms are to remain closed.

It was the third time the president was addressing Ugandans over the Ebola outbreak that has caused great apprehension in the country.