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Arua City senior health educator Bernard Amaga has confirmed the outbreak of viral conjunctivitis commonly known as red eye disease.

Amaga says a total of 29 cases have been recorded in the city, 13 at Ragem Technical Institute, six among the communities in Tanganyika, Arua Central Division, and 10 cases at Sir Andrew Nursery and Primary School

He says health education and surveillance have been intensified in the affected communities and schools.

Viral conjunctivitis commonly known as red eye disease is the most common type of conjunctivitis.

Amaga explains more about the various types/cases of conjunctivitis and how the disease can be managed.

He emphasised that the disease is mainly transmitted through contact with an infected person, through shaking of hands, objects held by an infected person, and other forms of contact.

Meanwhile, the Arua city principal education officer, Raymond Ombere, has appealed for vigilance after the confirmation of the disease in the city.



Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and often spreads fast in schools and crowded places.

It usually causes red eyes and a burning sensation with a watery secretion.

Viral conjunctivitis usually causes red eyes and a burning sensation with a watery secretion.

A total of 7,596 cases of red eye disease have so far been detected in the country, with the Uganda Prison Services recording the largest number, 5,897, representing 78%, according to authorities at the Ministry of Health.

The health ministry together with the Uganda Prison Services, detected an outbreak of red eyes within the prisons of Kasanda, Kaweeri, Lira Main, Erute, and Kampala remand prisons in February this year.

Since then, cases have continued to spread to schools in Kampala and other districts, including Mbale, Arua City, and Kagadi, starting on February 14 this year

The most common symptom of conjunctivitis is red eyes. Other symptoms include discharge on eyelids, watery eyes, a sandy or scratchy feeling in the eye, sensitivity to light, and eye pain.