Red Cross Speaks on 13 Volunteers Held for Alleged Violation of Ebola SOPs 

Uganda Red Cross Society has spoken out about the arrest of volunteers attached to its medical team in Mubende district. 

The 13 volunteers are part of 31 people being held for violating the Ministry of Health guidelines on the spread of Ebola virus disease. 

According to Wamala Regional police spokesperson, Rachel Kawala, the Red Cross volunteers were among 34 people found drinking alcohol at Homeland Bar and Guesthouse in Katogo village, West division in Mubende municipality, at around 10 pm on Saturday.  

She said they will be charged with doing a negligent act likely to spread diseases.

In a statement on Sunday, Red Cross insisted that the volunteers were arrested from their rented residence where they had returned after a long day.

“We note that the volunteers were arrested from the guest house which is their residence hosting the safe and dignified burial team,” the statement reads. 

Uganda Red Cross is part of the Ebola task force and one of the custodians of the Ebola prevention guidelines. 

“More so, the volunteers have a code of conduct that guides their work and is in tandem with the Ebola prevention guidelines.” 

Red Cross said that those involved will be investigated and Management will use the findings to take necessary action (s). 

“URCS management reiterates its commitment to adhering to the Ebola prevention guidelines in fulfilling the tasks assigned in the Ebola pandemic response.” 

President Museveni earlier this month directed that Kassanda and Mubende districts be placed under lockdown to contain the deadly virus.