The American Football Federation of Uganda has suspended all activities including scrimmages and clinics due to the threat of the coronavirus, COVID-19.
AFFU President Steven G. Okeng:
“The AFFU will suspend all its activities until further notice. AFFU wishes to emphasis that these are temporary measures to proactively minimise the possible spread of COVID-19 in Uganda as advised by the Ugandan Ministry of Health. However, AFFU will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
The AFFU seeks the support and understanding of the American football community in Uganda to safeguard public health and the well being of all communities in Uganda. It is part of our social responsibility to do so.
The AFFU further advises the community to maintain best practices in hygiene and socially responsible behaviour during this time and to avoid handshakes. We should continue to remain spiritually resilient and support each other, especially those who are vulnerable in our community.”
Current situation in Africa/Uganda
The coronavirus has now been confirmed in at least 30 of Africa’s 54 countries, officials said earlier this week, and regional power South Africa warned of a new crisis once the virus begins to spread at home and into crowded low-income communities.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has announced a ban on large public gatherings including weddings, church and Jumat services for the next 32 days in a bid to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The country has yet to record a case of the virus. Museveni also announced the closure of schools including universities starting from Friday, citing the need to prevent the influx of cases from countries in the East African region.
Museveni spoke to the nation in a televised address:
“To date, Uganda has not registered any case of coronavirus … but neighbors in the region including Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda confirmed cases of the virus last week, while DRC registered a case of coronavirus a week before.”