KAMPALA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has warned of more drastic measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, as the East African country on Friday reported five new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 23.

Don Wanyama, presidential spokesperson, on Saturday quoted Museveni in a tweet saying that more drastic measures would soon be announced.

"Ugandans, please embrace our guidelines and preventive measures. We can prevent the spread of COVID-19 together," Ruth Aceng, minister of health, appealed after announcing the new cases on Friday.

Museveni on Tuesday warned that the country may record more cases after some patients were found to have interacted with the public.

Uganda has suspended public transport, closed its borders to travelers, and banned public gatherings in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.

(Photo: VCG)