KABALE — Stakeholders in Kabale District have intensified surveillance and enforcement of health safety measures at Katuna One Stop Border Post following an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and heightened regional risk alerts.
The decision was reached during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at Katuna border point, bringing together the Kabale District Security Committee led by Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Katamba, immigration officials, border health teams, and other security agencies operating at the Uganda–Rwanda border.
The move follows concerns over the spread of Ebola after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak affecting both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda has registered two confirmed imported Ebola cases and one death linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Katuna Immigration Office-in-Charge Canary Mubangizi said the border remains highly vulnerable due to heavy movement of travellers between Uganda, Rwanda, and eastern Congo.
“Katuna serves as a major international transit route connecting the region, making it possible for people from affected areas in Congo to enter Uganda unnoticed if strict measures are not enforced,” Mubangizi said.
Stakeholders agreed to strengthen standard operating procedures at the border, including stricter screening of travellers, increased health inspections, and closer monitoring of cross-border movement to prevent further spread.
Health facilitator Angella Natukunda urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected Ebola symptoms to nearby health facilities. She warned that Ebola is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected persons or bodily fluids if preventive measures are not followed.
Natukunda advised travellers, traders, and border communities to observe Ministry of Health guidelines, including frequent handwashing, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, and promptly reporting suspected cases.
Kabale Resident District Commissioner Katamba said the emergency meeting was convened after noting frequent movement of people from Butembo and other parts of eastern DRC through Katuna, raising the risk of cross-border transmission.
He described the situation as a serious public health threat requiring coordinated action between security agencies, health workers, and the public.
“I want to appeal to Ugandans to cooperate with health authorities and observe all standard operating procedures. Security and health teams are working around the clock to ensure all travellers entering the country are properly screened and monitored,” Katamba said.