Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has ordered her Ministry of Health to present a report to parliament next week on the spread of mpox.
Opening the plenary session of parliament on Thursday the speaker said she had been reading various media reports in Uganda informing Ugandans that monkey pox was spreading but the ministry of health had not given parliament a clear report on the disease.
The Speaker also wants the tourism ministry responsible for wildlife to work with the health ministry to bring a comprehensive report to parliament.
“I think the ministry of health needs to come out and issue a statement on the issue of the Mpox that is rampant and also give guidelines on how this can be handled, we will need that from the minister, we will need a statement from the ministry of health together with the ministry of tourism.” Among stated.
The speaker also urged MPs to encourage their constituents to protect themselves from monkey pox and provide them with accurate information about the disease.
West Moyo Alero MP Tom Aza told parliament that the ministry should address the monkey pox problem as quickly as possible since two cases have been reported in his area which is teeming with refugees that could lead to the disease spreading.
Meanwhile, Makindye ssabagabo municipality MP David Sserukenya alarmed MPs when he said his daughter at home is already infected with Mpox and is under treatment.
“My daughter is already sick so it is a challenge and that why I brought this matter at your office honourable members we need to know how we contract this disease, we need the information” Sserukenya noted.
Deputy Tourism Minister Martin Mugara urged MPs not to kill the monkeys in their areas and not to encourage people to start killing the monkeys but asked them to contact the Wildlife Authority for assistance.
