Members of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda-IRCU and their counterparts of the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC have agreed to jointly work together in the fight against Ebola and other epidemics.
Speaking on Tuesday, leaders who are in Kasese District for a regional interfaith committee orientation program said that religious leaders must be at the forefront of epidemic response, identifying and supporting the most vulnerable people.
Joshua Kitakule, the Secretary-General Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, said that the religious leaders from Uganda and DRC are uniting in rallying their congregation to uphold behavior changes that will prevent the spread of epidemics.
Kitakule said that faith-based groups in East Africa must heighten awareness and promote behavior changes in society, churches, mosques, and funerals to deal with the threats of Ebola.
Rev. Ezra Nyongeza Mukonzo, the chairperson of inter- faith committee Kasese chapter said that they want religious leaders at the border to help in addressing the social myth that Ebola is witchcraft.
Bishop Emeritus, Zebedee Kahangwa-Masereka, also said their joint collaboration with religious leaders from DRC will focus on matters of peace, especially in Eastern DRC.
Imam Awlimali Ramadhani Fundi from Lubiriha Kasindi Mosque in DRC said that religious leaders are trusted sources of information and equally play a significant role in counseling survivors and challenging stigma.
He said they should work tirelessly to ensure there is no epidemic outbreak so that business across the border can thrive. URN
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