By Mike Rwothomio
The Alur Kingdom has formed an internal Rapid Ebola Response Task Team to enhance the capacity of district task teams in mobilizing and sensitizing Uganda-DRC border communities on preventing the spread of Ebola virus disease from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The development was announced by the Kingdom’s Prime Minister (Jadipu), Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, who led the Kingdom’s delegation at the wedding ceremony of Hon. Wapokra John Pascal, the Kingdom’s Minister of Lands, to his wife Lalita Monica Grace at Oturgang Catholic Church in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, on Saturday, 13 June 2026.
Chaired by the Kingdom’s Minister of Health, Dr. Nyathirombo Amos, task team members will undergo training on technical aspects of information dissemination. They will subsequently equip traditional chiefs, including those in the DRC, with knowledge to conduct effective community sensitization on Ebola prevention and response.
On behalf of His Royal Majesty, Ubimu Olarker Philip Rauni III, Prime Minister Prince Lawrence Opar Angala announced the composition of the distinguished team, led by Dr. Nyathirombo Amos.
In appointment letters to the selected members, the Prime Minister stated: “I am pleased to appoint you as a member of the Alur Kingdom Ebola Rapid Response Team to support Ebola prevention efforts for as long as the threat exists. This appointment is voluntary and takes immediate effect.”
He added that the appointments recognize “your competence, position, influence, commitment, and willingness to serve His Royal Majesty and the people of the Alur Kingdom.”
Appointed members are:
Hon. Dr. Nyathirombo Amos – Minister of Health (Chairperson)
Rwoth Kerunega Orom Jepthar – Speaker, Council of Chiefs
Hon. Opio Okech Bob – Minister of Culture and Legal Affairs
Mr. Kumakech Sam – Director of Youth and Sports
Mr. Uluba John – Chairman, Atyak Royal Council
Mr. Rupiny Ronnie Robert – Head of Programmes, Alur Kingdom Secretariat
Rwothomio Mike – Publicity Officer, Directorate of Communication
Mr. Kumakech Rasul – Communication Assistant, Jadipu’s Office
Ms. Thumitho Harriet – Zombo District Health Educator
Ms. Cengmoko Joyce – Zombo District Assistant Health Officer
The Prime Minister urged the team, on behalf of the King, to undertake this critical responsibility in safeguarding the health and well-being of the Alur people.
His Majesty Ubimu Philip Rauni Olarker III has consistently rallied his subjects across 56 chiefdoms in Uganda and 8 in eastern DRC to refrain from hiding individuals with Ebola-like symptoms and has directed traditional chiefs to intensify sensitization and mobilization efforts amid rising cases.
According to the CDC, as of 13 June, the DRC had recorded 782 confirmed cases of Ebola with 178 confirmed deaths, while Uganda had 19 confirmed cases and 2 confirmed deaths as of 14 June.
The outbreak, declared on 15 May 2026 by WHO and DRC authorities, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, with its epicentre in Ituri Province bordering Uganda’s West Nile region.
The Alur Kingdom, which maintains strong cross-border cultural and trade ties particularly through its eight chiefdoms on the DRC side, faces high risk across its communities in both countries.
The King has stated in widely circulated messages: “If you know someone who came from Mongwalu and Bunia areas of the DRC who is sick, report to the nearest health worker or call the district/zone health office. Do not hide such cases.”
In an urgent message, King Ubimu Olarker described the Ebola situation in eastern DRC as having “struck with real vengeance like an enemy ready to wipe out an entire generation,” with over a thousand people suspected infected and hundreds of suspected deaths reported.
He advised immediate transport of individuals showing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding to health centers, while discouraging home treatment and contact with deceased persons.
The King further called for avoiding large cultural gatherings, frequent handwashing, and strict adherence to Uganda and DRC Ministry of Health guidelines.
Authorities in Uganda’s Zombo, Nebbi, and Pakwach districts have intensified border surveillance in response to porous borders and ongoing cross-border trade at markets including Paidha, Malaba, and Alangi in Zombo; Nyalip in Nebbi; and Panyimur in Pakwach.
The Alur Kingdom had earlier suspended all major functions and social gatherings, issuing guidelines aligned with Ministry of Health directives as preemptive measures against Ebola transmission.
In a bid to strengthen community mobilization, Prime Minister Prince Lawrence Opar Angala has written to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Zombo District requesting free radio airtime for Ebola prevention campaigns.
On behalf of the King, he appealed for a weekly free talk show for the Alur Kingdom Health Department.The request, according to Jadipu, underscores the Alur Kingdom’s commitment to collaborating with the Government of Uganda in preventing cross-border spread through sustained public awareness and community engagement.
The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, described by the World Health Organization as a severe and often fatal form of the disease with no approved treatment or vaccine currently available.
To contain the outbreak, the Uganda Ministry of Health and DRC government have identified four strategic locations within the DRC near the border for the establishment of medical camps to support local health authorities.
These proposed treatment and response centers aim to serve border communities and reduce the movement of Ebola patients seeking care in Uganda.
Dr. Atwine Diana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, noted that many Congolese patients have increasingly sought treatment in Uganda due to confidence in the country’s capacity to manage epidemics and public health emergencies.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in his recent address to the nation, stated that “the fire of Ebola has started going down,” while urging Ugandans to remain serious and prioritize the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place.
The Alur Kingdom delegation joined family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate the wedding of Hon. John Wapokra and Mrs. Lalita Monica Grace.
Led by Prime Minister Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, the delegation included cultural leaders, ministers, and kingdom officials, underscoring the Kingdom’s support for the couple and the institution of marriage.
