MP Asked to Leave After Revealing Mpox Case in Family

There was unexpected drama in Uganda’s Parliament when an MP from a Kampala constituency was asked to leave the chambers after revealing that Mpox, a viral disease, had struck his family. The legislator, whose identity has been withheld, informed the parliamentary plenary session that one of his daughters had contracted Mpox, causing immediate concern among fellow members of Parliament.

The MP stated, “In my family, we are already victims of this disease. My daughter is already sick. This is a big challenge, honorable members…” However, before he could finish speaking, MPs seated near him quickly moved to other seats, clearly alarmed by his disclosure.

The MP explained that he had raised concerns about a problem with monkeys in his area back in 2022. At that time, he had brought the issue to Parliament, but his pleas for action went unanswered. “The Minister said he would send people to translocate them, but I never saw anybody. The monkeys are still there, roaming the place. This is why I brought this matter to your attention today in your office,” he added.

Following his revelation, the MP called on the Ministry of Health to issue guidelines to schools on how to manage the disease, expressing concern for children’s safety.

Speaker Anita Among immediately responded, saying, “This is scary. If we already have a person who has someone who is sick, then he is a contact. The Ministry of Health should come out and explain to the population what is going on.”

In support of the Speaker’s concern, Dr. Abraham Isamat, a veterinary expert, requested that the MP leave the chambers. “The colleague has declared that he has a sick person already in his home. He is a contact. The best way for him is to vacate the House since he is a potential source of infection,” Dr. Isamat explained. Many MPs voiced their agreement with this suggestion, showing their support for the MP’s immediate isolation from the rest of the members.

Dr. Isamat went on to explain the dangers of the Mpox virus, emphasizing that it can be transmitted between humans and animals, and vice versa. “The virus is present in all body fluids. If an infected animal or person sheds the virus on a surface, it is easy for another person to get infected if they come into contact with that surface,” he warned.

Speaker Among added that the rising number of Mpox cases in the country should be addressed. She instructed the Ministry of Health to prepare an official statement to Parliament by the following Tuesday.

The Ministry of Health has described Mpox as a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. While treatable, it can be severe, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. The common symptoms of Mpox include a body rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and chills.

According to the Ministry, Mpox spreads primarily through direct contact with infected persons. This contact can occur through touch, kissing, or sexual intercourse, as well as through exposure to contaminated materials like bed sheets, clothing, or needles. Additionally, pregnant women infected with the virus may pass it on to their unborn babies.

Isaac Otimgiwu, MP for Padyere County, urged the Ministry of Health to heighten its efforts in raising awareness about the disease, particularly in border regions near the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Mpox cases are more prevalent.