Police restrict public events over Ebola

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Police in the Kampala Metropolitan Area have announced new restrictions on public events, warning that organisers of concerts, sports activities and large gatherings must first obtain clearance from the Ministry of Health in light of the ongoing Ebola risk.

Addressing journalists at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Monday, June 8, 2026, Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the directive is aimed at preventing possible Ebola transmission in environments where people are in close physical contact, sweating, and interacting in large crowds.

Owoyesigyire said police will no longer approve or secure public events unless organisers present formal authorisation from the Ministry of Health, which assesses and clears the safety conditions under which such gatherings can be held.

“With guidance from the Ministry of Health, we have restricted some public events and activities where people are involved in sweating and touching each other because of the Ebola risk,” Owoyesigyire said.

He explained that Ebola is a highly contagious and deadly disease transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, making crowded and physically interactive events particularly risky if not properly regulated.

Owoyesigyire cited recent decisions where authorities moved to restrict or halt events deemed unsafe, including a boxing event that was stopped due to the level of physical contact involved between participants and the potential public health threat.

“We recently restricted a boxing event because it involved people sweating and physical contact. Given the current Ebola threat, such activities require very strict regulation,” he said.

Owoyesigyire emphasised that police clearance alone will no longer be sufficient for organisers seeking permission to hold public gatherings.

He said all event organisers must now obtain a clearance letter from the Ministry of Health, signed by the Permanent Secretary (Dr Diana Atwine), clearly outlining the safety guidelines to be followed during the event.

“The only events we shall be clearing are those that have been approved by the Ministry of Health. You must present a letter from the Permanent Secretary with proper guidelines on how the activity should be conducted,” he said.

Owoyesigyire added that additional approvals from relevant regulatory bodies, including the National Cultural Centre and other event licensing authorities, may also be required depending on the nature of the activity.

He warned that organisers who fail to comply with the new health and security requirements will not be allowed to proceed with their events, regardless of prior planning or financial investment. 

“If you are planning concerts or public gatherings, you must ensure that you have the necessary clearance in advance. Without the Ministry of Health approval, the event will not be sanctioned,” he said.

He stressed that the directive is part of a coordinated national effort between security agencies and health authorities to contain the spread of Ebola and protect public safety.

Owoyesigyire urged event organisers to take the guidelines seriously and work closely with health ministry officials when planning any activity involving large crowds.

“The order is real and must be taken with seriousness. We are asking everyone to be alert and cautious,” he said.

Police further encouraged event organisers to observe hygiene measures, crowd control protocols and Ebola prevention guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.