Uganda Issues New Ebola Guidelines for Gatherings and Transport

The Ministry of Health Uganda has issued new Standard Operating Procedures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola Virus Disease during public gatherings, religious services, transport operations and burial ceremonies. The guidelines were released by the ministry's Department of Health Promotion, Education and Communication.

They require stricter screening, hygiene and distancing measures in areas considered high-risk for transmission.

Organisers of mass gatherings, including political rallies, sports events, weddings, funerals and religious crusades, must notify district health authorities before holding events. All venues hosting large gatherings must have adequate toilets, handwashing facilities, screening points and designated health safety personnel.

Individuals found with temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius during screening are to be isolated immediately and referred for further medical assessment. Event organisers have also been instructed to report suspected Ebola cases to health authorities and restrict movement around affected persons until emergency teams arrive.

Religious Services, Markets and Transport

Places of worship have been directed to discourage physical contact among congregants, including handshakes and hugs. Religious leaders have specifically been advised against laying hands on worshippers during prayers. Worship centres must isolate anyone who develops Ebola-like symptoms during services and ensure that any contaminated surfaces are disinfected properly.

Open-air markets and public transport operators have been ordered to strengthen hygiene measures. Market authorities must provide handwashing stations at entry points and regularly disinfect toilets, stalls and commonly touched surfaces. Drivers, conductors and boda boda riders have been instructed not to transport individuals showing Ebola symptoms.

The ministry announced strict burial protocols for suspected or confirmed Ebola victims. Only trained burial teams will be allowed to handle and bury suspected Ebola victims. Family members have been prohibited from touching, washing or preparing bodies, while mourners have been advised to avoid overcrowding, handshakes and physical contact during funerals.