RUKUNGIRI – Health workers have been placed on high alert and directed to reinforce vigilance against the Ebola virus, as the disease continues to wreak havoc in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The strong warning was issued by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, on Sunday while she presided as the guest of honor at a thanksgiving ceremony for Dr. Alex Twekwase in Rukungiri District.
The thanksgiving service, which also featured the baptism of Dr. Twekwase and his wife Jovia’s two daughters, was held at St. Andrew’s Gwakirungura Church of Uganda Parish in Kanyarurara Cell, Gwakirungura Parish, Buyanja Sub-county, Rukungiri District.
Speaking before a congregation of health professionals, local leaders, and clergy, Dr. Atwine emphasized that although Uganda is currently free of Ebola, the risk of importation remains alarmingly high due to persistent cross-border movements between the two nations.
Cue in: Dr. Atwine on Vigilance. RR
Dr. Atwine implored health workers to strictly adhere to infection prevention measures, including wearing full protective gear and immediately reporting suspected Ebola cases.
She reassured the public that the government has bolstered preparedness by deploying health teams and establishing treatment facilities near the border to minimize local infections while supporting the DRC.
The Permanent Secretary also advised unemployed nursing graduates not to rely solely on government jobs, urging them to explore other opportunities, including abroad, as some approved positions are still awaiting funding.
Cue in: Dr. Diana on Unemployment. RR
She explained that while the government is actively working to create more opportunities within the health sector, some approved positions have not yet been funded and are therefore unavailable.
Delivering the sermon, Rev. Canon Brian Muhereza, Dean and lecturer at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith amidst life’s challenges and to trust in God rather than in people, wealth, or worldly possessions.
Canon Muhereza cautioned believers against seeking counsel from witch doctors, reminding them that while no one is perfect, enduring hardship with unwavering faith is a true testament to belief.
Cue in: Canon. Muhereza on Faith. RR
Dr. Alex Twekwase Bucuuriro expressed profound gratitude to all who supported him, explaining that he felt deeply compelled to organize the thanksgiving as a heartfelt tribute to the church where he was raised and nurtured in faith.
He further emphasized that the ceremony was also a sacred opportunity to publicly thank God for the precious gift of life, the unwavering unity of his family, and the abundant blessings of health and protection they have continued to enjoy over the years.
Cue in: Dr. Bucuuriro on Thanksgiving. RR
The joyous service drew a diverse and distinguished gathering, including the NRM Workers’ League National Chairman, Justus Niwanjuna Kamuhanda, alongside numerous health workers and local government officials.
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