KASESE — As Uganda intensifies efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola outbreak linked to cross-border transmission from the Democratic Republic of Congo, humanitarian organisations are stepping up community-based interventions to protect vulnerable groups, particularly older persons.
HelpAge International, in partnership with the Community Aged Foundation (CAFO), has rolled out a targeted Ebola prevention and awareness campaign in Kasese District, one of the high-risk areas due to its proximity to the porous Uganda-DRC border and frequent cross-border movement.
The intervention, supported by the START Fund, focuses on delivering accurate health information, practical support and strengthened community engagement to help curb transmission while ensuring older persons and persons with disabilities are not excluded from response efforts.
HelpAge International Humanitarian Programme Manager for Africa, Fred Wandera, said early action remains critical in preventing widespread community transmission.
“Our priority is to act early, before cases start spreading among vulnerable communities. In places like Kasese, where cross-border movement is common, timely information, practical support and trust at community level are critical in stopping the spread of Ebola. We are making sure older persons and others at risk are fully included in the response,” Wandera said.
The response relies heavily on community structures, with teams conducting household visits, public awareness sessions and radio messaging to educate residents on Ebola prevention measures and available services.
Households are also receiving hygiene supplies, including handwashing materials and protective kits aimed at reducing infection risks.
Health workers and community leaders have been trained to detect suspected cases early, conduct safe follow-ups and refer patients to health facilities.
The programme also targets high-risk public spaces such as markets, schools and transport hubs with prevention messaging and safety improvements.
In addition, frontline responders are being equipped with psychological first aid skills to support affected families and individuals.
Kasese District, with an estimated population of 847,000 people, has more than 50,000 residents aged 60 and above. Health experts warn that older persons face heightened risks during outbreaks due to reduced immunity and disruptions to routine health services.
However, response partners argue that older persons should not only be viewed as vulnerable, but also as key contributors to community resilience through their influence and social trust.
The programme therefore aims to identify older persons and persons with disabilities early, provide home-based support where necessary and ensure continued access to healthcare and social services throughout the outbreak.
CAFO officials emphasised that trust remains central to effective Ebola response efforts.
John Baluku said community networks play a vital role in ensuring accurate information reaches households.
“In Kasese, people depend heavily on trusted community networks for guidance and support. By working through local leaders and reaching families directly in their homes, we can address fears, challenge misinformation, and help people take simple steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” he said.
He added that outbreak control depends not only on medical interventions but also on public understanding and compliance with health guidance.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with surveillance teams tracking hundreds of contacts linked to confirmed cases.
As of June 9, 2026, Uganda had recorded 19 confirmed Ebola cases and one death linked to the outbreak. Border districts such as Kasese remain under heightened surveillance due to continuous cross-border movement.
Response partners warn that the risk of further transmission remains if suspected cases delay seeking care or ignore prevention guidelines.
HelpAge International said it is exploring additional funding to expand outreach and strengthen protection for vulnerable populations as the outbreak response continues.