Mubende, Kassanda put under Lockdown to Contain Ebola

President Museveni has restricted movement and placed Mubende and Kassanda districts under curfew to curb the spread of Ebola Virus Disease.

The President issued the directives during his address to the nation on Saturday night.

He said the virus is currently in the districts of Mubende, Kyegegwa, Kassanda, Kagadi and Bunyangabu.

“We now have 58 total confirmed cases and 19 deaths. So far, 20 people have recovered from Ebola,” he said.

He said Ebola cases have continued to increase in the communities of Mubende and Kassanda districts.

“You have heard about the 3 individuals that escaped from Mubende and came to Kampala – Twagiira Yezu, his wife – Mutoni and another person from Kassanda. There is also alot of movements of people into Mubende and Kassanda because of the following reasons: Mining purposes, family relationships, culture and traditions. We also know that some people move out of these districts to seek treatment from traditional healers and witchdoctors.”

He said this has led to the spread of Ebola to other districts i.e. Kyegegwa, Kagadi and Bunyangabu.

Given the gravity of the problem and to prevent further spread and, protect lives and livelihoods, Government is taking extra measures that require action from all of us.

“All these measures shall start with immediate effect and will last 21 days because the incubation period for Ebola is up to 21 days,” Museveni directed.

Measures:

1. Movements into and out of Mubende and Kassanda Districts is prohibited.
2. Movement from Kassanda to Mubende and vice versa is prohibited.
3. There will be Curfew in Mubende and Kassanda Districts starting from 7:00pm to 6:00am.
4. Movement of persons within their respective district (Mubende and Kassanda) is allowed.
5. Public transport, private transport and Boda-bodas are NOT permitted to move.
6. ONLY Cargo vehicles, vehicles supporting the response to Ebola outbreak, authorized Government vehicles and Security vehicles are permitted to move BUT SHALL NOT TAKE PEOPLE IN OR OUT OF MUBENDE AND KASSANDA.
7. Transit vehicles (public and private) crossing through Mubende and Kassanda Districts are permitted to move but with police clearance and shall NOT STOP TO PICK OR DROP PEOPLE.
8. Cargo trucks with only a driver and one turn-boy shall be allowed to deliver goods and may carry goods out of the districts but shall not carry passengers.
9. All cargo shall be delivered to the districts of Mubende and Kassanda during the day. Cargo vehicles shall be required to leave by 5:00pm and the operators will not sleep in any of the two districts. Anyone who sleeps in the districts shall remain there for 21 days.
10. All seasonal markets (butale bw’ Omubuulo) are suspended.
11. The Mines in Mubende will remain open for people in Mubende and the mines in Kassanda will remain open for the people in Kassanda. No crossing over. In addition, daily temperature checks, hand washing and symptom screening must be enforced by the proprietors.