Authorities in Kisoro District have temporarily shut border crossings between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo following government measures aimed at preventing the possible spread of Ebola.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kisoro, Dan Ndikumwami, after a district security meeting. He said the decision was prompted by reports of Ebola cases in parts of eastern DR Congo, prompting Ugandan authorities to tighten surveillance and regulate cross-border movement as a precautionary measure.
Ndikumwami explained that security officers and health teams have been deployed at official entry points and porous border areas to ensure strict enforcement of the directive and closely monitor the situation.
He added that the district security committee had agreed to suspend cross-border movement for Congolese pupils studying in Uganda as day scholars until further notice. Schools in border areas will also be closely monitored to ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The committee has further halted the entry of new refugees during the period of the border closure ordered by the Ministry.
Ndikumwami warned that some Congolese nationals could attempt to enter Uganda through porous border points or by passing through neighboring countries such as Rwanda.
“At checkpoints in Kanaba and Biharwe, security has been strengthened to screen travelers, while bus and taxi operators have been cautioned against illegally transporting Congolese nationals,” Ndikumwami said.
Meanwhile, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Disease Control and Surveillance, Dr. Nick Muneza, said health workers had been deployed across the district to conduct Ebola screening exercises.
He confirmed that four individuals who had been isolated as suspected Ebola cases later tested negative, received treatment, and were discharged.
“I want to appeal to residents to remain alert and observe preventive measures to minimize the risk of Ebola spreading into the district. Kisoro has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case so far,” Muneza said.
He also noted that churches and schools are adhering to the required SOPs, although challenges had been observed in markets, which the government has since closed.
Meanwhile, journalists who visited the Bunagana border post reported a calm situation, with only a small number of people seen crossing between Kisoro District and the Democratic Republic of Congo.