Government has announced a suspension on entertainment gatherings and concerts for an unspecified period of time over Ebola fears.
The Ministry of Health in a statement on Wednesday said the list of those suspended includes concerts, entertainment shows, cultural festivals, political rallies, marathons, walkathons, and other non-essential public gatherings .
The ministry Permanent Secretary, Dr.Diana Atwine said the measures target activities considered high-risk for Ebola transmission due to large crowds, uncontrolled movement, and close physical interaction.
“These measures are intended to minimize opportunities for person-to-person contact that may increase the risk of transmission of Ebola infection in the event of exposure to an infected individual,” Dr. Atwine stated.
The suspension affects public recreational and social events within the Kampala Metropolitan Area and several high-risk border districts.
However, the Ministry clarified that the directives do not amount to a total ban on all gatherings. Structured official, institutional, and essential meetings will still be permitted provided organizers strictly adhere to Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures.
The Ministry directed that approved gatherings must be conducted in controlled venues with organized seating arrangements, adequate spacing, proper ventilation, mandatory temperature screening, and handwashing or sanitization facilities.
Organizers have also been instructed to prevent overcrowding, discourage unnecessary mingling, and ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of venues and sanitation facilities.
Participants attending approved gatherings have been advised to avoid physical greetings such as handshakes and hugging, frequently sanitize their hands, avoid sharing personal items, and remain alert to Ebola symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, severe headache, and unexplained bleeding.
Authorities further instructed organizers to designate focal persons responsible for ensuring strict compliance with infection prevention and control measures throughout events and meetings.
Security agencies, Resident District Commissioners, District Health Teams, and local governments have been directed to enforce the measures, particularly within high-risk districts and border areas. The Ministry warned that violators would face enforcement action under the National Public Health Act and Regulations.
The restrictions apply to Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi, Mukono, Yumbe, Koboko, Maracha, Arua, Obongi, Madi-Okollo, Zombo, Pakwach, Nebbi, Lamwo, Buliisa, Hoima, Kikuube, Kagadi, Ntoroko, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Fort Portal City, Bundibugyo, Kasese, Kanungu, Kisoro, and Kiryandongo.
Uganda has confirmed seven Ebola cases since the outbreak earlier this in neigbhouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
