By Aggrey Baba
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has come out to calm the public following rumours circulating on social media about a supposed return of COVID-19 in Uganda.
In a press a statement issued today, Wednesday, the Ministry clarified that there is no new outbreak in the country and described the alarming messages making rounds online as old videos and clips being recycled by individuals aiming to cause unnecessary fear.
According to MoH’s Dr Charles Olaro, Uganda’s COVID-19 situation remains stable, with no sign of resurgence since the major outbreak that ended three years ago.
Health experts continue to monitor global developments, especially reports of new variants, but the MoH reassures Ugandans that the country remains safe and under control.
“The Ministry reassures the public that there is no resurgence of COVID-19 in Uganda. The national situation remains stable and fully under control,” Olaro’s statement read.
The Ministry credited Uganda’s active disease surveillance system for keeping the situation in check, with officials saying the systems put in place in 2020 are still running and are capable of picking up any early warning signs.
Ugandans are, however, advised not to drop their guard, with MoH urging anyone showing flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention at the nearest health facility, since health workers across the country remain on standby to respond appropriately if needed.
As a word of caution, the MoH advised members of the public to rely only on official sources of information.
“Remain alert to credible updates from official sources,” the Ministry stated, calling on the public to ignore recycled content that could cause confusion.
In addition, MoH reminded Ugandans to continue observing good hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap and clean water or using alcohol-based sanitizers, especially during the rainy season when other viral infections are also common.
Ugandans are reminded that protecting public health is a collective responsibility and that misleading information poses a danger not only to individual families but to the country as a whole. As the country approaches the third anniversary since its battle with COVID-19 began, the MoH’s message is that there’s no cause for alarm.
However, the public is encouraged to remain watchful and avoid falling victim to fear-mongering tactics on social media. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
