BKK suspends 32nd Empango celebrations as Ebola suspects reach 3 in Bunyoro

The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom (BKK) has suspended its 32nd Empango celebrations as a measure to adhere to standard operating procedures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola disease.

Empango is an annual coronation anniversary celebrated by the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom to honour the Omukama (King) and commemorate the day he ascended the throne.

The Kingdom’s Prime Minister (PM), Owek Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga, told tndNews, Uganda that the annual event which is always slated for every June 11, remains suspended until a later date due to a suspected Ebola disease outbreak in the country

Byakutaga noted that it came to their attention that the event, which involves crowds of people, does not align with the standard operating procedures for Ebola disease.

“We have decided to suspend both Empango celebrations alongside some of its pre-activities including golf, football tournaments since they carry a lot of people to participate in them,” he said.

He, however, said that despite the suspension of activities, only the local language competition on radio stations will continue since it involves a few individuals at a time.

The PM said that the public will remain updated about the activity regarding the Ebola trend.

Dr Lawrence Tumusiime, the Hoima District Health Officer (DHO) said that the situation remains normal despite the suspected cases.

Tumusiime urged members of the general public to remain vigilant to the pandemic by following the SOPs put in place.

Currently, three persons remain suspects of Ebola disease in the region, according to Hoima Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Badru Mugabi

Mugabi said that they have not stopped people from attending normal church services, but urged the public to remain vigilant and follow all health guidelines.

He added that a district taskforce has already been established to sensitise communities and monitor the spread of the virus within the region.

Mugabi warned districts near the Democratic Republic of Congo border, saying that they remain at high risk of Ebola infections because of the frequent cross-border movements.

“The government has deployed health experts and emergency response teams at border points to work closely with local health officials in preventing further spread of the disease,” he revealed.