Ebola: Pakwach and Nebbi authorities block more traders from DR Congo
On Wednesday, June 10, another 11 Congolese nationals were returned to their country.
One of the health workers at Vurra Customs border point checking the temperature of a traveller. (Photos by Robert Ariaka)
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The Ebola task force team of Pakwach and Nebbi districts, and the immigration officials have deported 43 Congolese nationals, bringing the total number to 53 in one week since June 04.
On Wednesday, June 10, another 11 Congolese nationals were returned to their country.
Twaib Achile, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Pakwach, reports that the Ebola task force team has continued to intercept and deport Congolese nationals who illegally entered Uganda through porous border points.
According to Achile, most of the Congolese nationals intercepted travel from the districts of Koboko, Maracha, Arua City and Arua after illegally crossing and travelling in private vehicles.
The interception takes place mostly at the Pakwach checkpoint by the security team deployed.
Trucks waiting for clearance at Goli Border point.
The security officers on Monday night at around 11:00 pm intercepted five Congolese nationals, and on Tuesday, June 9, five more were intercepted.
Uganda closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and restricted cross-border movements to contain the spread of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain. Movement into and out of the DRC is heavily restricted, with only essential security, cargo, humanitarian, and medical teams allowed to cross.
Relatedly, mandatory 21-days of self-isolation period under strict Ministry of Health surveillance is mandatory for any Ugandan returning from the DRC.
Meanwhile, standard passenger travel, flights, and cross-border public transport are suspended.
According to Achile, the 53 individuals were tested for the Ebola virus before deportation through the Goli Border post, which has been designated for the exercise.
"In line with the implementation of the Ebola directives on standard operating procedures by the Ministry of Health, persons found negative are deported, but any positive case will be reported to the national Ebola task force team for treatment.
Most of them, claiming to be traders travelling to procure goods in Kampala, are using Panya routes with no entry and exit documents, but present their National Identification without an official clearance document at the immigration office.
Achile said that in the meantime, the security team has also tightened the surveillance on River Nile and Lake Albert with counterparts in Bulisa coordinating to ensure no Congolese national crosses illegally to Uganda.
The directive on Ebola only allows transit vehicles carrying goods and trucks carrying food items to cross from Uganda to DR Congo and back.