Uganda has intensified its border surveillance in Buliisa District following fresh warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) about the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has already claimed 15 lives.
The move, according to health officials, aims to prevent the deadly virus from entering Uganda through busy border points.
Speaking on Wednesday, 10th September, 2025, Buliisa District Health Officer, Robert Mugabe revealed that 10 front line health workers have so far been trained on how to detect and manage Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Mugabe noted that strict screening measures have been established at Butiaba, Kabolwa, Walukuba, Bugoigo, and Wanseko landing sites, where surveillance teams are monitoring travelers for symptoms.
“We have put in place surveillance teams to monitor and respond to any Ebola symptoms, but we also call upon the community to stay vigilant,” he stated.
The Buliisa District Health Officer listed symptoms such as high fever, persistent headache, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, and weight loss as red flags that should be reported immediately to health facilities.
Mugabe, however, raised concern that the district is facing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
“The available PPE are insufficient to meet the needs of our front line health workers; we are therefore appealing to the Ministry of Health to urgently intervene and provide adequate protective gear to safeguard health workers,” he said.
The World Health Organization said that the DRC outbreak could escalate if cross-border surveillance is not reinforced.With Ebola’s death rates ranging between 30% and 90%, the disease remains a major global health threat.
Buliisa health workers say they are working closely with the Ministry of Health and international partners to strengthen preparedness and block any possible outbreak within Uganda’s borders.
While the risk of Ebola entering Uganda remains real, authorities say coordinated efforts between health workers, the Ministry of Health, and the community will be key in preventing an outbreak, urging everyone to stay alert and report any suspicious symptoms without delay.
