Heightened Ebola surveillance and control measures have been activated in Kasese District following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raising fears of possible cross-border transmission into Uganda.
Health authorities say the Ebola Bundibugyo strain detected in the DRC has prompted urgent preventive interventions, especially in border districts considered vulnerable because of frequent movement between the two countries. The Ministry of Health has since classified Kasese as a high-risk district after two Ebola cases were confirmed in Uganda, leading to the suspension of the annual Namugongo pilgrimage as a precautionary public health measure.
Surveillance efforts have now been intensified at the Mpondwe border point, where health teams are closely screening travelers and enforcing strict disease prevention protocols. Kasese District Health Officer Dr. Benon Bwambale warned that the outbreak presents a serious threat to the district’s health system, noting that authorities have activated surveillance systems based on experience from previous Ebola outbreaks.
Dr. Bwambale urged communities to remain calm but alert, advising residents to report suspected Ebola symptoms immediately and observe proper hygiene practices.
Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt. (Rtd) Joe Walusimbi confirmed that pilgrims from the DRC had been escorted back to their country following the suspension of pilgrimage activities. He emphasized that the postponement should not be politicized, saying Ebola outbreaks are a global public health concern that requires coordinated preventive action.
The suspension of the pilgrimage has, however, left some intending pilgrims disappointed after weeks of preparation for the journey to Namugongo. Merida Mbambu, who was at Kasese Catholic Cathedral on Sunday, expressed frustration over the abrupt postponement, citing the emotional and logistical challenges faced by pilgrims-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
