Bunyoro communities urged to remain alert as Ebola continues to ravage DRC
According to the health ministry, Bunyoro sub-region remains vulnerable because of its proximity to eastern DRC, where Ebola transmission continues to pose a public health threat.
Front row: Emmanuel Ainebyoona (third right) poses for a group photo with other Ministry of Health officials after the meeting. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
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The Ministry of Health has appealed to communities in Bunyoro sub-region, particularly residents living along the shores of Lake Albert and those sharing a border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to remain vigilant against Ebola despite Uganda being declared free of the disease.
Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry of Health's Senior Communications Officer, said residents should continue observing all Ebola prevention measures issued by the ministry.
According to the health ministry, Bunyoro sub-region remains vulnerable because of its proximity to eastern DRC, where Ebola transmission continues to pose a public health threat.
Frequent cross-border movement for trade, fishing and family ties increases the risk of importing new cases if surveillance and preventive measures are relaxed.
He made the call on Wednesday (August 5) during a media Orientation meeting on Public Health Emergencies organised by the Ministry of Health with support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) at Golden Castle Hotel in Hoima City.
Ainebyona said the measures introduced during the outbreak, including heightened surveillance along border areas and restrictions on unauthorised cross-border movement, remain in force as the health ministry and the National Ebola Taskforce continue to monitor the situation.
Ainebyoona appealed to community leaders and residents, especially those living along the shores of Lake Albert, to immediately report anyone showing symptoms consistent with Ebola to the nearest health facility.
He called on health workers and local leaders to strengthen community surveillance to ensure that any suspected cases are detected and investigated quickly.
He said surveillance, screening and public sensitisation remain active in districts bordering the DRC, while security has been reinforced at border points and along major travel routes.
The Ebola Bundibugyo disease outbreak was declared on May 15, after infected individuals crossed into Uganda from the DRC.
A total of 20 people were infected, including 15 Congolese nationals, four Ugandan health workers who contracted the virus while caring for patients, and one driver.
Eighteen patients recovered, while two died. Uganda was officially declared Ebola-free on July 28, 2026, following the discharge of the last confirmed patient on July 16.
The Ebola Virus Disease is a severe illness spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain and sore throat, which may progress to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding.