As Ebola preparedness efforts intensify across Uganda’s high-risk border districts, leaders, health workers, and humanitarian responders gathered in Bundibugyo and Ntoroko with one shared goal, keeping communities safe and preventing the virus from crossing into vulnerable populations.
In both districts, strategic District Task Force meetings brought together government leaders, Ministry of Health officials, WHO, and the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and rapid response mechanisms in areas considered highly vulnerable due to their proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the constant movement of people through porous border points.
In Bundibugyo, the meeting was chaired by the RDC, Major (Rtd) Edward John Mungabirwe, while in Ntoroko, the engagement was chaired by the Deputy RDC, Muzeyi Cyrus. The meetings were attended by the Ministry of Health Assistant Commissioner for Surveillance, Dr. Michael Mwanga Musani, WHO Western Region Field Coordinator Philemon Kabagambe, and Dr. Joseph Kasumba, the Uganda Red Cross Society EVD Response Lead for the Rwenzori and Albertine Region.
For many leaders in the districts, the response is not just about systems and structures, but about protecting families, traders, travelers, and communities living along the border.
“With the controlled movement at the border, we badly needed handwashing facilities because they will go a long way in helping to mitigate the spread of Ebola. We appreciate the Uganda Red Cross Society for this support. As Bundibugyo District, we are still Ebola-free, and we pray it remains that way through the collective efforts of all partners,” said Major (Rtd) Edward John Mungabirwe, RDC Bundibugyo.
The discussions focused on strengthening surveillance systems, cross-border coordination, emergency preparedness, and community engagement, with particular emphasis placed on community-based surveillance and early alert systems.
Dr. Christopher Kiyita, the Bundibugyo District Health Officer, noted that communities remain the most important line of defense in stopping Ebola before it spreads.
“Community-Based Surveillance is a critical intervention, yet not many partners have chosen to tackle it from the community level. We appreciate URCS for prioritizing community engagement and surveillance because communities are the first line of defense in preventing Ebola spread,” Dr. Kiyita said.
In the two districts, URCS is set to support 10 Points of Entry with trained volunteers supporting screening, hygiene promotion, and basic first aid services. The National Society will also deploy standby ambulances for evacuations, activate Village Task Force Committees across 100 villages, conduct radio talk shows in local languages, support Safe and Dignified Burials, install handwashing facilities, and strengthen coordination mechanisms.
The Ministry of Health commended the continued coordination among partners which has helped keep the districts free from confirmed Ebola cases despite the high-risk environment.
“The coordinated efforts by all stakeholders have greatly contributed to Bundibugyo remaining without a confirmed Ebola case despite being a high-risk district. We must continue strengthening mitigation measures and preparedness efforts to minimize the risk as much as possible,” said Dr. Michael Mwanga Musani, Assistant Commissioner for Surveillance at the Ministry of Health.
For URCS, the response goes beyond emergency interventions. It is about standing with communities before, during, and after the outbreak.
“URCS remains committed to supporting government and communities through preparedness, surveillance, community engagement, and emergency response interventions. Our focus is to strengthen local structures and ensure communities are empowered with the right information and support to prevent the spread of Ebola,” said Dr. Joseph Kasumba.
As communities continue with their daily lives along the border districts, the partnerships forged through these coordinated efforts remain critical in ensuring that preparedness, vigilance, and community trust stay at the center of the Ebola response. The URCS interventions are made possible with funding from International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies under the coordination of the Ministry of Health.