An SMS text message warning of swine flu caused panic in Uganda. It claimed to come from the Ugandan health ministry, warned people not to eat pork, and promised free airtime to anyone who forwarded it to 25 people.
The health ministry held a press conference to deny the "baseless rumour", but confusion remained, especially as the ministry often sends health text messages. The debate about the message even reached parliament.
The message read: "Warning from the Ministry of Health: to avoid swine flu, which is suspected in Uganda, do not eat pork or go near pigs for now. The first cases appeared in Gaba and Nakulabye. Send this message to 25 people and MTN will reward you with free airtime."
The ministry issued a statement saying that well-cooked pork is completely safe to eat. People were surprised the message was fake, as the ministry had recently sent a text warning about polio and urging vaccination. Now the message has become a source of jokes.
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