FAM gets assurance from Cecafa on Ebola

FAM has decided that the Flames will take part in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup despite fresh cases of Ebola outbreak in the east African domain.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda on Tuesday said the association has received assurance from both Cecafa and Uganda FA that the situation is under control.

Uganda Health Minister Christine Ondoa announced a few days ago that three people had died from Ebola in its central region, near the capital Kampala, the latest bout of deadly haemorrhagia fevers to strike the country in recent months.

Ondoa said two of the dead were from one family in Luwero district, about 75 kilometres north of Kampala.

“We received letters from both Cecafa and Uganda FA [Monday] assuring us that our delegation will not be under any health risk as the situation is under control,” said Nyirenda.

He also quoted a letter from both institutions stating that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not issued any travel ban on Uganda as a result of the Ebola outbreak.

“So, in view of that, we have decided to take part in the tournament although we also sought advice from Uganda’s Ministry of Health on the same and we are yet to get a response,” said Nyirenda.

The Flames are scheduled to depart for Uganda’s capital Kampala on Thursday and the tournament is scheduled to kick off Saturday.