The Ministry of Health, operating alongside the National Epidemic Response Task Force, has launched an aggressive campaign to counter a rapidly growing wave of misinformation surrounding the recently confirmed Ebola virus cases in the country.
The stern pushback comes just days after health officials confirmed two new Ebola cases in the capital, Kampala, bringing the national tally to five.
Following the announcement, social media platforms have been heavily inundated with fabricated reports, exaggerated casualty figures, and dangerous peddling of unproven herbal remedies, creating an atmosphere of unnecessary panic.
During a highly charged press briefing on Monday morning, Ministry of Health officials unequivocally condemned the malicious spread of fake news.
Authorities specifically targeted viral WhatsApp audio notes and forged official documents falsely claiming that the government was preparing to enforce a total lockdown of the Kampala metropolitan area and close down all public transport.
“The situation is being managed with the utmost transparency and professional rigor. There are currently only five confirmed cases, all of whom are strictly isolated and receiving world-class care at our designated facilities, including Mulago,” the Ministry spokesperson stated.
ALSO READ:
- Court Martial Convicts Wakiso Taxi Driver Over UPDF Attire
- Court Martial Sentences Two State Informers to Death
- Renegade Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu Apprehended in Soroti City Over Subversive Activities
- Abraham Luzzi Slasts UEDCL After Blackout Interrupts Birthday Party
- Celebrated Comedian Kapere Passes Away
“Any individual or media outlet claiming there are hundreds of hidden cases, or that a lockdown is imminent, is actively working to sabotage public health efforts and spread terror.”
The government’s pushback is not limited to mere verbal warnings. The police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) has been directed to trace and apprehend individuals generating and circulating panic-inducing content under the stringent provisions of the Computer Misuse Act.
Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) and local telecom companies have partnered with the Ministry to blast accurate, real-time SMS updates to millions of Ugandans.
Health workers have reiterated that Ebola is primarily spread through direct physical contact with the bodily fluids of an infected, symptomatic person, and not through the air.
Citizens are being strongly urged to dismiss alarming social media rumors and instead rely exclusively on the official Ministry of Health toll-free lines and verified news outlets for their updates.
Discover more from SANTA MEDIA UGANDA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
