In a decisive move to curb the spread of a newly declared Ebola outbreak, the Parliament of Uganda has officially banned public and guest attendance from the upcoming State of the Nation Address.
The directive, issued in a May 22, 2026 statement by the Clerk to Parliament, cited the need to minimize large gatherings and reduce the risk of virus transmission. The address, scheduled for June 2026, will proceed with only essential parliamentary staff and members present.
Uganda's Ministry of Health confirmed the Ebola outbreak on May 20, 2026, with initial cases reported in the central region. The World Health Organization has been notified and is providing support for containment efforts.
This is not the first time Uganda has faced an Ebola outbreak; the country has successfully managed previous outbreaks through rapid response and public health measures. The ban on public attendance is a precautionary step to protect both lawmakers and the public.
