Ankole Diocese has suspended the administering of confirmation and Holy Communion as part of measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.
The directive, issued by the Diocese leadership, follows the Ebola outbreak and aligns with guidelines from the Ministry of Health aimed at controlling the spread of the deadly virus.
In a letter dated May 20, 2026, addressed to Archdeacons, Parish Priests and Lay Readers across the Diocese, the Diocesan Secretary and Registrar, Rev. Canon Edson Abaasa, announced a temporary halt to confirmation services during all pastoral visits by the Bishop until further notice.
The Diocese also suspended the administration of Holy Communion in all church services as part of preventive measures to minimize physical contact among worshippers.
According to the guidance, handshaking and any other forms of physical contact among Christians, clergy and the Bishop have been prohibited to reduce the risk of transmission.
Church leaders have further been directed to ensure that all entry points to churches are equipped with handwashing facilities and sanitisers, while congregations are to be sensitised about the Ebola outbreak and the safety measures put in place.
Despite the restrictions, Ankole Diocese clarified that communal worship, preaching, singing, prayers, entertainment and speeches will continue as normal.
The Diocese urged Christians to remain prayerful and cooperative during what it described as a challenging time, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding lives while maintaining spiritual fellowship.
The guidance was signed by Rev. Canon Edson Abaasa on behalf of the Diocese and copied to the Bishop and Head of Clergy of Ankole Diocese.
On Sunday, Dr Diana Atwine, ministry of Health PS Ugandan entertainment guide
The ministry of Health confirmed three new cases of Ebola Virus Disease, bringing the total number of confirmed infections recorded in Uganda to five.
The new cases include a Ugandan driver who transported the country’s first confirmed patient and later succumbed to complications linked to the disease, as well as a health worker who had been involved in managing the patient.
According to Dr Charles Olaro, the director general of health services, the third new case involves a Congolese woman who entered Uganda through the Arua border before travelling to Entebbe.
