Kikuube authorities start implementing govt directive on Ebola
Following the announcement, the Kikuube District leadership have closed their official border entry and exit points connecting the district to DR Congo. The district has also closed all weekly markets and bars.
Kikuube district Ebola task force posing for a group photo after their meeting. (Credit: Peter Abaanabasazi)
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Authorities in Kikuube District have started implementing the Government directive to close all Uganda’s border crossings with DR Congo in a move aimed at preventing the spread of the Ebola virus.
The Uganda government, through the national Ebola taskforce, on Wednesday announced that the country's border with the DR Congo had been closed due to the Ebola outbreak.
Following the announcement, the Kikuube District leadership have closed their official border entry and exit points connecting the district to DR Congo. The district has also closed all weekly markets and bars.
The closed border points include Sebagolo in Kabwoya sub-county and Nsonga in Kyangwali sub-county along the shores of Lake Albert.
Speaking to New Vision on Thursday afternoon, Kikuube district chief administrative officer Can. Edward Businge said all these measures have been taken to help in containing the spread of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus.
Kikuube CAO, Canon Edward, said the district boarder entry points have been closed. (Peter by Abaanabasazi)
“We have closed commuter boats and taxis from DR Congo to Kikuube; it is only cargo and few turnboys or turn men who deliver or take commodities who are allowed to move. This is being done to contain the spread of this deadly Ebola virus,” he said in a phone interview.
He added that the district is currently enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPS) to avoid the spread of Ebola.
He called on the leaders along the shores of Lake Albert to sensitise the community to observe SOPs, such as washing of hands, no hugging and avoid gathering to avoid infection.
Vicente Opio, the Kikuube district vice chairperson, said a number of security personnel have been deployed in all sub-counties bordering DR Congo to prevent Congolese from sneaking into Uganda through porous borders in the district.
He urged residents and leaders to remain vigilant and report any new person entering their respective villages to authorities to ensure that they get screened to avoid being caught unaware.
Kikuube District disease surveillance officer Geoffrey Barongo said they have registered one Ebola case after blood samples of a man from Nsonga landing site in Kyangwali sub-county within Kikuube tested positive for Ebola.
He noted that the victim, who is currently admitted at Mulago hospital, is a taxi driver who transported an Ebola patient from DR Congo to Kibuli Hospital in Kampala. According to Barongo, the Congolese patient died a few days after his admission to Kibuli hospital.
He added that 30 contacts of the deceased are currently in isolation and are being monitored until 21 days elapse. The Ministry of Health on Monday reported two new Ebola cases, bringing the number of infections to seven. Ebola, which broke out in DR Congo has claimed lives of over 200 people now, with over 500 more infected.