Kasese Community Cautioned on Ebola Outbreak in the Country

Health authorities and local leaders in Kasese district have issued a warning to residents, especially those living near border areas, following the recent outbreak of Ebola in Uganda. So far, eight districts across the country have been classified as very high risk, with nine cases confirmed by the Ministry of Health. 

This marks Uganda’s eighth Ebola outbreak, six of which have been caused by the Sudan virus. The previous outbreak, which began in September 2022, initially affected the districts of Mubende and Kassanda before spreading to at least seven other districts. In 2019, Kasese district was also hit by an Ebola outbreak that resulted in at least three deaths.

Dr. Amon Bwambale, the district health officer, emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance within the community. He noted that the district has reactivated its surveillance systems and strengthened efforts to engage the community in disease prevention.

He further explained that screening for individuals entering Uganda, particularly from DR Congo through Kasese, has been intensified to enhance the district’s response capacity. Eliphazi Muhindi, the Kasese LC V Chairperson, confirmed that the district's task force has been reactivated to handle any potential Ebola cases and raise awareness within the community.

The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any individuals exhibiting symptoms consistent with Ebola to the nearest health facility or contact the Ministry's toll-free line at 0800-100-066. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health began administering the Ebola Sudan Trial Vaccine to high-risk populations as part of its preventive measures.