President Museveni has warned the public against laxity saying that no amount of prayers and traditional doings can heal an individual from Ebola.
Museveni made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing the nation for the fourth time on matters connected to the latest Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the country.
He said in order to defeat the virus, every individual must get involved through behavior change by adhering to the guidelines put forth by health practitioners.
“Ebola is easier to deal with than COVID19 and AIDS. The main solution is behaviour change. People have to listen. Traditional healers will not deal you. There are also no prayers that will heal Ebola. The answer is to use the medicine God created for us. We have to use what God created to solve problems.”
Museveni said as of 15 November 2022, 142 Ebola cases from six districts have been confirmed in the country with a total of 55 deaths, and 73 recoveries while 13 patients are still admitted in the different treatment units.
He explained these figures are a sign that government has put in place measures to control the outbreak but it’s efforts are being let down by some negligent people in high struck districts including Mubende.
The president said while there has been a general decline in cases registered in Mubende, many locals are defying measures in place to contain the virus.
“When you cooperate and alert the health system early, your chances of surviving are higher. Ebola can not be hidden. I want to thank the people of Mubende for their determination to end this epidemic. However, the outbreak is not over, and we need to put in more effort.”
“I have been informed that there is a challenge in Mubende. After allowing the boda bodas to transport cargo, they are abusing this and carrying human beings. This poses a risk of transfer of infection to other districts,” he outlined.
Museveni indicated the two districts will remain under lockdown until the 21 days are done. He warned any level of laxity in measures will lead to tightening of the above guidelines.
“Boda bodas should stop carrying people. If they insist, I will have to stop them from moving completely. All trucks carrying logs are restricted from moving into and out of Mubende and Kassanda,” he added.