Uganda Christian Institute Not Closed Over Ebola, Officials Dismiss Rumors

Bonny Ferdinand Okello Alele, one of the directors at Uganda Christian Institute (UCI) who doubles as Assistant Resident City Commissioner of Lira City, has dismissed widespread rumors that the institution was closed due to an Ebola case.

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Okello Alele clarified that the student suspected of having Ebola tested negative and condemned those spreading false information to damage UCI’s reputation.

“There is no Ebola case at UCI. The student was tested, and the results came back negative. The institution is operating normally,” Okello Alele emphasized.

On Wednesday, February 5, a team from Lira City, led by Lawrence Emmy Egole, Lira Resident City Commissioner visited UCI while the student was still under suspicion.

RCC Egole embarked on the visit to assess the situation and ensure that the set Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the Ministry of Health were being implemented and followed.

As per set SOP's, the student was later isolated while awaiting test results, which later confirmed he did not have Ebola. 

"Following the RCC’s directive and health officials’ confirmation, the student was released", said Okello Alele.

“It is unfortunate that some people, particularly our business competitors, are using this situation to mislead the public. These lies are affecting our institution and causing unnecessary panic,” he added.

Okello Alele used the same platform to reassure the school community especially students, parents, and the public that UCI remains fully operational while implementing strict health measures in line with government guidelines.

Isaac Ayo, the Principal of Uganda Christian Institute for Professional Development, emphasized that there is no outbreak of Ebola virus, adding that they will not fold their hands. He committed that they are working hard to prevent Ebola from the institution.

The sample earlier taken to the government laboratory in Entebbe have shown a negative result, clearing UCIPD as safe for continued learning.

Ebola virus spreads through body contact with an infected person, and can be prevented through washing hands with soap, and keeping a distance with an infected person. 

Meanwhile, concerns over Ebola persist in Uganda, with six confirmed cases, including two health workers, and over 200 contacts under institutional quarantine.

The government, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), will roll out a three-month response plan starting February 8 to combat the virus. So far, 500 frontline workers have been vaccinated, with 2,460 more vaccine doses ready for deployment.

Kampala, Wakiso, and Mbale have been classified as high-risk districts due to high population density and mobility.

Despite the Ebola scare, Lira City Health Officer Dr. Bernard Otucu has remained silent