Health
Ebola: Religious leaders warned against touching patients
In a national address on the Ebola situation on Wednesday (June 10, 2026), Museveni emphasised that the disease spreads through close contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated materials, and called for greater vigilance among the public.
"The pastors, the people of God, are the ones who touch patients, saying they are healing them," Museveni said.
By: Nelson Kiva, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned religious leaders against touching Ebola patients in the name of praying for them, saying they should strictly observe public health measures.
In a national address on the Ebola situation on Wednesday (June 10, 2026), Museveni emphasised that the disease spreads through close contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated materials, and called for greater vigilance among the public.
"The pastors, the people of God, are the ones who touch patients, saying they are healing them," Museveni said.
He added, "If you pray, God is not deaf. You pray without touching. God is not deaf. He will hear you."
Drawing from lessons learned during previous disease outbreaks, Museveni stressed that faith and science should work together in protecting lives.
Uganda is currently battling a new Ebola outbreak linked to the ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As of June 6, Uganda had recorded 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths. The active cases are 12.
Five patients have recovered, according to the health ministry and World Health Organisation.
Health authorities say all reported cases have been linked to travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo or their contacts, with no confirmed community transmission in Uganda so far.
Uganda is currently battling a new Ebola outbreak linked to the ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As of June 6, Uganda had recorded 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths. The active cases are 12.
Five patients have recovered, according to the health ministry and World Health Organisation.
Health authorities say all reported cases have been linked to travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo or their contacts, with no confirmed community transmission in Uganda so far.