Authorities in Kikuube District have temporarily shut down border crossings with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and suspended public gatherings, including markets, following the Ebola outbreak reported in eastern DRC.
The affected border points are Nsonga and Sebigoro, located along Lake Albert in Kyangwali and Kabwoya sub-counties. These crossings are among the main official routes connecting Kikuube District to the DRC.
Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwine Angali said the District Security Committee and the District Ebola Taskforce agreed to suspend movement through the two border points as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola into Uganda.
According to Angali, all cross-border travel through the affected entry points has been stopped until health authorities consider the situation safe again. He added that district officials have intensified public awareness campaigns to educate communities about Ebola symptoms, prevention, and response measures.
The RDC explained that traders and residents from areas such as Tchomia, Kasenyi, Gobu, and Mukambu in Bunia District, Ituri Province, regularly use the border routes to travel to Kikuube, Hoima, and Kampala for trade and other activities.
Despite the outbreak in eastern DRC, authorities say some individuals have continued entering Uganda through unofficial and porous border routes, increasing concerns over possible transmission.
In response, surveillance and screening operations have been strengthened at major entry points, especially at Nsonga, Buhuka, Sebigoro, and Kyehoro landing sites, where health teams are now monitoring travelers more closely.
The District Security Committee has urged residents to stay alert, immediately report suspected Ebola cases, and maintain strict hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection.
Authorities have also expanded public sensitization campaigns, while markets, schools, churches, and health facilities across the district have been instructed to install handwashing facilities.
Kikuube District LCV Vice Chairperson Vincent Alpha Opio said local authorities have reinforced border monitoring, increased public awareness efforts, and stepped up community engagement initiatives throughout the district.
He called on communities living along the Uganda-DRC border to follow all Ebola prevention guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health – Uganda in order to help contain the disease.
