Authorities in Mahyoro Town Council in Kitagwenda District have intensified Ebola prevention measures at the local landing site as Uganda and neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo continue to report growing concern over the disease’s spread.
Town Clerk Pius Mugisha said local leaders have begun engaging traders and fishermen through a series of sensitisation meetings aimed at strengthening awareness and compliance with Ebola prevention guidelines.
He said the town council has introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at the landing site, including mandatory handwashing before entry and stricter sanitation requirements.
“We have started holding meetings with traders and fishermen at the landing site to sensitize them about Ebola prevention and the importance of observing all the recommended health guidelines,” Mugisha said.
He noted that the landing site attracts traders from Kasese and other neighbouring districts, increasing the risk of disease transmission due to high population movement.
“Our landing site receives many people from different districts, especially Kasese and other neighbouring areas. This movement of people can expose the community to Ebola if residents become complacent and fail to observe the set preventive measures,” he said.
Mugisha urged residents, traders and fishermen to remain vigilant and adhere to the established SOPs, including regular handwashing, improved hygiene practices and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
He said sustained compliance would be critical in preventing possible outbreaks in the fishing community, which remains highly mobile and interconnected with surrounding districts.
The measures come amid heightened regional concern over Ebola transmission risks, prompting local governments to reinforce surveillance and community awareness campaigns aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.
