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 (DRC).
The resolution was reached during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Katuna border point. The meeting brought together the Kabale District Security Committee led by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Maj. Godfrey Katamba, immigration officials, border health teams, and other security agencies operating along the Uganda-Rwanda border.
The move follows growing concerns over the spread of the virus after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak affecting both the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda has already 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.
Speaking after the meeting, Katuna Immigration Office-in-Charge Canary Mubangizi said the border point remains highly vulnerable due to the heavy movement of travelers 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 travelers, increased health inspections, and closer monitoring of cross-border movements to prevent the spread of the disease into Kabale District and other parts of the country.
Health facilitator Angella Natukunda urged the public to remain alert and immediately report any suspected Ebola symptoms to nearby health facilities.
She warned that Ebola is highly contagious and can spread through contact with infected persons or contaminated body fluids if preventive measures are ignored.
Natukunda advised travelers, traders, and residents living near border areas to strictly follow Ministry of Health guidelines, including regular handwashing, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, and promptly reporting suspected cases.
“Early detection and quick response remain critical in controlling the spread of Ebola,” she emphasized.
Kabale RDC Maj. Godfrey Katamba said the district convened the emergency meeting after noting that many travelers from Butembo and other parts of eastern DRC frequently use the Katuna border while traveling to North Kivu and neighboring regions.
He described the continued cross-border movement as a serious public health threat requiring coordinated action from security agencies, health workers, and the public.
Katamba warned that weak surveillance systems could expose Kabale and the wider country to a broader outbreak if preventive measures are not strengthened.
“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 travelers entering the country are properly screened and monitored,” Katamba said.
Authorities say surveillance teams will continue conducting routine monitoring and sensitization campaigns at border entry points as part of broader national efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
