Mukono Resident District Commissioner Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka warned school administrators against hiding learners suspected of having Ebola-related symptoms, saying such actions could put lives at risk and attract closure of institutions.
Schools in Mukono District have been cautioned against relaxing Ebola prevention measures following renewed alerts over suspected cases in communities.
District health officials warned education institutions to ignore misinformation claiming that Ebola does not exist in Uganda and instead maintain strict adherence to all standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Health.
Speaking during an Ebola sensitization campaign, Mukono District Health Officer Dr. Stephen Mulindwa revealed that the district surveillance team has already responded to several community alerts involving suspected Ebola patients.
“We have so far collected samples from three people whose communities suspected them of having Ebola. Two of the samples tested negative, while one result is still pending,” Dr. Mulindwa said.
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The warning comes shortly after the Ministry of Health confirmed two Ebola cases involving Ugandan health workers who are currently undergoing treatment.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro, the ministry said the infected individuals work at a private health facility in Kampala.
According to Dr. Olaro, the two patients were identified after showing Ebola-related symptoms and were later transferred to a specialized treatment unit for medical care.
“Health response teams have already begun tracing and monitoring all individuals who may have come into contact with the confirmed patients. The rapid response is intended to prevent further transmission within communities and healthcare settings,” Dr. Olaro stated.
He added that surveillance teams, laboratory experts, and emergency response personnel had been deployed to strengthen monitoring in Kampala and nearby districts.
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Dr. Mulindwa urged residents not to panic but to remain alert, warning that negligence could worsen the situation and force authorities to introduce tougher containment measures, including possible lockdowns.
He explained that Ebola symptoms commonly include high fever, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and bleeding from different parts of the body, although some patients may not show all the signs.
The health officer advised members of the public to seek immediate medical attention whenever they suspect illness.
Dr. Mulindwa further noted that health teams have intensified sensitization efforts in schools because of the large numbers of learners gathered in one place. He also urged schools to restrict unnecessary visits by outsiders and ensure full compliance with all preventive guidelines.
Mukono Resident District Commissioner Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka warned school administrators against hiding learners suspected of having Ebola-related symptoms, saying such actions could put lives at risk and attract closure of institutions.
“You should not hesitate to observe the set SOPs for the good of your schools and the country at large. As you receive learners from different places, ensure that you check their temperatures, together with those of their parents or guardians, before admitting them into schools, and continue observing them for other signs,” Ndisaba said.
She disclosed that district surveillance teams will soon begin inspections in schools across Mukono to assess compliance with Ebola prevention directives.
Ndisaba warned that schools found violating the SOPs would first receive directives to improve, but repeated non-compliance could lead to temporary closure.
“We do not want to risk the lives of our innocent children. As parents hand over their children to you, ensure that you keep them safe under your watch,” she emphasized.
