Parliament puts in place restrictions to protect MPs against Ebola

The Parliament of Uganda has put in place stringent measures to ensure that the MPs are not exposed to the deadly Ebola Virus Disease that has left over 100 people hospitalized with close to 40 fatalities.

Speaking at the opening of the 1st sitting of the 2nd meeting of the 2nd session of the 11th parliament on Tuesday 1st November 2022, the Speaker, Anita Annet Among, made some reactive pronouncements during the afternoon plenary.

With guidance from the Minister of Health, the Speaker said Parliament will restrict the number of MPs physically in the chambers to 100.

Members of Parliament are encouraged to use Virtual platforms to attend plenary, she added. “Those who see symptoms like those of Ebola should be responsible enough not to come to the house. And I know my members are very responsible,” she said.

Visitors to Parliament have also been restricted.

“Members of Parliament and the public are encouraged to practice regular handwashing, wearing of masks and maintenance of social distancing,” the speaker noted.

Alex Ruhunda, the MP for Fort Portal Municipality, said the Ebola outbreak has greatly affected the economy.

He stated that the media has exaggerated the outbreak and that there is a need to manage information about the disease in a manner that doesn’t hurt the economy.

“Economically, we are doing very badly, that is why the government is not collecting money. We need to manage information because we are running bankrupt,” Ruhunda said.