Kasese District has received Ebola prevention supplies worth Shs65 million from Caritas Kasese to strengthen the district's preparedness against a possible Ebola outbreak, particularly in communities along the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border.
The donation was handed over to district leaders at the Kasese District headquarters on Friday, with officials describing it as a timely contribution to ongoing efforts to enhance disease surveillance and infection prevention in one of Uganda's most vulnerable border districts.
The supplies include liquid soap, hand sanitizers, face masks, jerry cans and water storage buckets that will be distributed to schools, churches, mosques and other institutions in high-risk communities.
Receiving the consignment, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Bukonzo County, Lt Maate Magwara, commended Caritas Kasese for complementing government efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola.
"This donation comes at a critical time as we continue to strengthen our preparedness against Ebola. Given Kasese's proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, we cannot afford to lower our guard because the risk of cross-border transmission remains high," Magwara said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, observe all public health guidelines and promptly report anyone showing suspected Ebola symptoms to health authorities.
Magwara also appealed to institutions that will receive the supplies to ensure they are used effectively to promote hygiene and infection prevention.
"We encourage all beneficiary institutions to make effective use of these items. Good hygiene practices are essential in protecting our communities from infectious diseases such as Ebola," he added.
Caritas Kasese Ebola Response Focal Person Adidas Kule said the donation forms part of the organisation's programme to reinforce Ebola preparedness in border communities considered most at risk because of their close links with eastern DRC.
"Our objective is to support institutions in communities that remain vulnerable because of their proximity to the Uganda–DRC border. These supplies will enhance infection prevention measures and strengthen local preparedness against Ebola," Kule said.
He urged members of the public to continue following recommended preventive measures, including regular hand washing with soap, temperature screening where required and maintaining good hygiene.
"We encourage everyone to practise regular hand washing with soap, undergo temperature screening where required, maintain good hygiene and avoid unnecessary large gatherings. These simple preventive measures can go a long way in protecting our communities from Ebola," he said.
Kasese remains one of Uganda's frontline districts for Ebola preparedness because it shares an extensive and busy border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where previous Ebola outbreaks have posed a recurring risk of cross-border transmission through trade, travel and family interactions.
The latest donation adds to ongoing efforts by government and humanitarian organisations to strengthen disease surveillance, improve infection prevention and control, and raise public awareness in border communities as Uganda maintains heightened vigilance against Ebola.
