Kampala, Uganda | The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public clarification dismissing widespread social media claims suggesting a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Uganda.
In an official press release dated 11th June 2025, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, stated that the messages circulating online, particularly those describing a lethal new variant named “COVID-Omicron XBB”, are misleading and based on outdated video clips being recycled to cause unnecessary fear among Ugandans.
“The circulating messages are old clips being re-shared by unscrupulous individuals to mislead the members of the public,” the statement read.
The Ministry reassured the public that there is no resurgence of COVID-19 in Uganda, and the national health situation remains stable and under control.
The last major outbreak occurred three years ago, and since then, the Ministry has consistently monitored national and global trends to ensure early detection and rapid response to any threats.
While new strains of COVID-19 have been reported in parts of Asia, the Ministry is actively tracking global developments and collaborating with international stakeholders to safeguard the population.
“Uganda continues to benefit from a strong surveillance and response system, which remains fully active and capable of detecting and addressing public health threats,” the statement emphasized.
The Ministry advised anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms to visit the nearest health facility for proper treatment and management. It also reminded the public to continue practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap or using alcohol-based sanitizer, as a routine preventive measure.
“The Ministry remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of all Ugandans,” Dr. Olaro reiterated, urging the public to rely only on credible updates from official sources.
PRESS RELEASE: Ministry of Health clarifies on COVID-19 situation in #Uganda.
The Ministry reassures the public that there is NO resurgence of COVID-19 in Uganda and the national situation is stable and fully under control since the major outbreak three years ago. #MOHatWorkpic.twitter.com/1JkBWrpLvm
— Ministry of Health- Uganda (@MinofHealthUG) June 11, 2025
The Ministry’s communication was issued in response to a viral message claiming that the new COVID-Omicron XBB strain was five times more virulent than previous variants and undetectable by nasal swab tests. The viral post, widely shared via WhatsApp, listed severe but vague symptoms and urged extreme precautions.
Public health experts have warned that such alarmist messages, when not backed by verified science, risk undermining trust in health systems and causing unnecessary panic.
For accurate information, the Ministry urges citizens to follow updates from its official website www.health.go.ug and verified social media platforms.
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