KASESE — Security and health surveillance have been intensified at the Mpondwe-Lhubiriha border in Kasese District and the Busunga border point in Bundibugyo District as Uganda strengthens efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The heightened measures follow reports of an Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, prompting Ugandan authorities to deploy additional security personnel along both official and porous border routes.
Travellers entering Uganda are now subjected to mandatory health screening, while vehicles crossing into the country undergo fumigation to minimise the risk of disease transmission.
At the busy Mpondwe-Lhubiriha border, security operatives and health workers have established screening points where travellers are assessed for Ebola symptoms before being cleared to proceed.
Similar surveillance measures have been rolled out at the Busunga border point in Bundibugyo District, where authorities have increased patrols and intensified monitoring of cross-border movements.
To strengthen preparedness, isolation centres have been established at both border points to assess and manage suspected Ebola cases before they can pose a threat to surrounding communities.
However, stakeholders involved in the response have expressed concern over what they describe as a less vigorous approach to Ebola containment by authorities across the border in DRC. They argue that disparities in enforcement and surveillance efforts between the two countries could undermine regional attempts to contain the disease.
"Our security teams are working closely with health personnel to ensure that everyone entering Uganda is properly screened. We have also deployed personnel along porous border routes to minimise illegal crossings and strengthen disease surveillance. We call upon the public to cooperate with authorities and report any suspected Ebola cases immediately," said Lt. Magwara Maate, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner in charge of Bukonzo County.
Authorities say continued movement through ungazetted crossing points remains one of the biggest challenges in preventing the spread of the disease.
"We have intensified monitoring at Busunga and other border areas to ensure strict adherence to the Ministry of Health guidelines. Communities near the border are being sensitised about Ebola prevention measures, and we remain vigilant to protect the people of Bundibugyo and Uganda at large," said Edward Mugabirwe, the Resident District Commissioner of Bundibugyo District.
Maate reiterated the need for public cooperation in the fight against the disease.
"The fight against Ebola requires collective responsibility. We urge residents to avoid unnecessary cross-border movements, observe hygiene measures, and immediately alert health authorities if they notice anyone displaying symptoms associated with Ebola," he said.
Residents living in border communities have been urged to remain vigilant, observe all health guidelines and promptly report suspected cases as Uganda continues efforts to keep the country free from Ebola.
Authorities say surveillance operations will remain in force until the threat posed by the outbreak in neighbouring DRC is effectively contained.
