Scores of churches had to cancel Christmas services, retreats and even weddings because of the outbreak of ebola blighting parts of the country, writes Hussein Bogere.

"We did not have the vigil Mass on Christmas Eve because we had to prevent interactions," Fr Fabius Bainekanama of Nyahuka Catholic parish in Bundibugyo said by telephone. "We did not shake hands after the Sacraments. We changed Holy Communion from administering it to the mouth, to handing it out," he added. Initially, after news of the outbreak broke, churches began to administer the host with spoons until Government information clarified that this was not necessary. Altar servers have been advised against sharing surplices.

A Pentecostal pastor, Geoffrey Kyomuhendo of Bundibugyo Community Worship Centre, said turnout at services that did go ahead was low. "The seating too was affected. People kept a reasonable distance from each other."

The Ugandan ministry of health confirmed the ebola outbreak in November and urged people to "avoid unnecessary movements and gatherings". Churches have cancelled retreats and weddings because of the risk of exposure to the virus. The outbreak has claimed 36 lives.