KAMPALA. President Museveni has postponed the annual religious event Uganda Martyrs’ Day which happens every June 3.
‘’After consultation with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders, we have decided to postpone the Martyrs Day to a later date, which will be communicated.’’ Mr Museveni said in a Sunday statement.
‘’This decision was made because Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak.’’ He added.
Mr Museveni the postponement was intended to safeguard everyone’s lives’
The president further encouraged those who had already begun their pilgrimage to return home, and urged the country to continue observing the precautionary measures, report anyone who is sick, and encourage those who are ill to seek medical care.
He noted that the decision is regrettable, but admitted that the protection of life must come first.
The World Health Organisation has confirmed an outbreak of Ebola in DR Congo, with 80 deaths reported.
In Uganda, one person, a Congolese, has died from an imported case of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus, according to the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Ms Diana Atwine.
Over 70 foot pilgrims from DR Congo had arrived in Kasese District by Friday morning, but as of Sunday, they were still being held awaiting screening for Ebola