The Bishop of Kasana Luweero Diocese, Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa has called on students to adhere to the stipulated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to effectively guard against the spread of the Mpox (Monkeypox) virus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) situational update dated October 28th, 2024, Uganda has reported a total of 222 cases since the first case was identified in July 2024, with one recorded fatality.

Kampala is the most affected area, accounting for 85 cases, followed by Nakasongola district with 41 cases.

While blessing candidates of Kasana St. Jude Primary School who are preparing for their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) next week, Bishop Mukasa informed the learners that the disease is spreading rapidly, particularly in the Luweero area, with Nakasongola identified as a hotspot.

The Prelate emphasized that due to the close proximity of learners in classrooms and other school settings, they are at a higher risk of coming into contact with one another, making the spread of viruses like Mpox almost inevitable.

To mitigate this risk, he has urged the learners to practice social distancing and to avoid handshakes and inform their peers to safeguard against Mpox.

Bishop Mukasa reiterated that now is the time to strictly follow all SOPs that were emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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