By BUATRE George
ARUA CITY- Security agencies in the West Nile sub-region have intensified operations to enforce Ebola prevention measures amid fears that the highly contagious disease could spread from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Uganda through the porous border points.
The heightened enforcement follows two joint security committee and taskforce meetings convened by the West Nile Regional Police Commander, SSP Latif Zake, on June 5 and June 11, 2026, at Arua Regional Police Headquarters.
The meetings resolved to strengthen the enforcement of Ebola Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), intensify community sensitization, establish checkpoints to identify undocumented entrants from the DRC, and strengthen border surveillance.
According to West Nile Regional Police spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, the measures are aimed at preventing the disease from entering Uganda through the West Nile corridor, which shares extensive borders with Ituri Province in eastern DRC — an area currently battling an Ebola outbreak.
The renewed vigilance comes at a time when health authorities report confirmed Ebola cases in Uganda, including infections linked to Congolese nationals. Security agencies say the frequent movement of people between border communities, combined with the region’s numerous ungazetted crossing points, heightens the risk of transmission.
West Nile borders Ituri Province, where Ebola cases have reportedly spread widely, raising fears of cross-border transmission into Uganda.
The region’s ethnic and social ties with eastern Congo, particularly among communities such as the Lugbara, Alur, Kakwa, Lendu, Kaliko, Kebu and Logo, facilitate regular movement across borders for trade, family relations and social interaction.
Police said the Ministry of Health has so far confirmed 19 Ebola cases in Uganda, comprising 14 Congolese nationals and five Ugandans. Two people have reportedly died, while four have recovered.
Authorities further revealed that Aru Town in DRC has registered four confirmed cases, while suspected infections have been reported in Ariwara Town. Some victims are also said to have passed through Arua City and its airport.
In Bunia, DRC, one medical doctor and three nurses reportedly succumbed to the disease, while health authorities continue tracing suspected cases and contacts.
West Nile Region has more than 150 border crossing points, most of which are ungazetted, making the frontier highly porous. Security agencies warned that undocumented migrants often use motorcycles, taxis, buses, hotels and lodges, increasing the likelihood of high-risk contacts.
Police have therefore directed hotel and lodge operators to conduct strict guest screening, maintain proper visitor records and report suspicious or newly arrived persons to authorities for follow-up.
Public places and institutions have also been urged to strictly enforce Ebola SOPs, including handwashing, use of sanitizers and temperature screening.
Authorities further announced the suspension of border markets and warned against public gatherings such as discos, parties and social functions without prior clearance from Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) or Resident District Commissioners (RDCs).
“For any gathering, organizers must first seek guidance from the RCC or RDC and ensure strict adherence to Ebola prevention guidelines,” Angucia stated.
She added that Oli Health Centre IV in Arua City has been designated as the official Ebola isolation facility, cautioning residents against isolating suspected patients at home due to the risk of infecting family members.
Security checkpoints have meanwhile been established along the Kampala highway corridor stretching through Koboko, Maracha, Arua City, Arua District, Madi-Okollo, Nebbi, Zombo and Pakwach districts to regulate illegal movement from DRC.
Police warned that individuals found entering Uganda illegally from Ebola-affected areas risk arrest and deportation under public health regulations.
On June 12, 2026, authorities deported 15 Congolese nationals through Vurra Border Post after they were intercepted at different checkpoints, including Pakwach, Bondo and Ocoko. Police records further indicate that 59 Congolese nationals were intercepted in Pakwach District between June 2 and June 12 and deported through Dei, Goli and Vurra border points.
In Nebbi District, over 20 undocumented Congolese nationals were reportedly returned to DRC, while similar enforcement operations continue in Koboko District.
However, police reported an incident on June 13 in Koboko where a boda boda rider transporting three passengers allegedly refused to stop at a checkpoint for mandatory health screening. The rider reportedly crashed into a tyre cutter and sustained serious injuries before being rushed to hospital alongside the passengers.
Authorities have appealed to border communities to remain vigilant and promptly report illegal entries or suspected Ebola cases to the nearest authorities.
“Ebola is highly contagious but manageable if communities cooperate and strictly observe the preventive measures,” Angucia said.
Residents in Arua City have been advised to report suspected Ebola cases through emergency hotlines, including 0782070670 and 0777999265, while Arua Regional Referral Hospital can be reached on 0772879411. The national toll-free Ebola line is 0800100066.
Police further warned that individuals who deliberately violate Ebola SOPs could face arrest and prosecution under the Public Health Act.
ARUA CITY- Security agencies in the West Nile sub-region have intensified operations to enforce Ebola prevention measures amid fears that the highly contagious disease could spread from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Uganda through the porous border points.
The heightened enforcement follows two joint security committee and taskforce meetings convened by the West Nile Regional Police Commander, SSP Latif Zake, on June 5 and June 11, 2026, at Arua Regional Police Headquarters. The meetings resolved to strengthen the enforcement of Ebola Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), intensify community sensitization, establish checkpoints to identify undocumented entrants from the DRC, and strengthen border surveillance.
According to West Nile Regional Police spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, the measures are aimed at preventing the disease from entering Uganda through the West Nile corridor, which shares extensive borders with Ituri Province in eastern DRC — an area currently battling an Ebola outbreak.
The renewed vigilance comes at a time when health authorities report confirmed Ebola cases in Uganda, including infections linked to Congolese nationals. Security agencies say the frequent movement of people between border communities, combined with the region’s numerous ungazetted crossing points, heightens the risk of transmission.
West Nile borders Ituri Province, where Ebola cases have reportedly spread widely, raising fears of cross-border transmission into Uganda. The region’s ethnic and social ties with eastern Congo, particularly among communities such as the Lugbara, Alur, Kakwa, Lendu, Kaliko, Kebu and Logo, facilitate regular movement across borders for trade, family relations and social interaction.
Police said the Ministry of Health has so far confirmed 19 Ebola cases in Uganda, comprising 14 Congolese nationals and five Ugandans. Two people have reportedly died, while four have recovered. Authorities further revealed that Aru Town in DRC has registered four confirmed cases, while suspected infections have been reported in Ariwara Town. Some victims are also said to have passed through Arua City and its airport.
In Bunia, DRC, one medical doctor and three nurses reportedly succumbed to the disease, while health authorities continue tracing suspected cases and contacts.
West Nile Region has more than 150 border crossing points, most of which are ungazetted, making the frontier highly porous. Security agencies warned that undocumented migrants often use motorcycles, taxis, buses, hotels and lodges, increasing the likelihood of high-risk contacts.
Police have therefore directed hotel and lodge operators to conduct strict guest screening, maintain proper visitor records and report suspicious or newly arrived persons to authorities for follow-up.
Public places and institutions have also been urged to strictly enforce Ebola SOPs, including handwashing, use of sanitizers and temperature screening.
Authorities further announced the suspension of border markets and warned against public gatherings such as discos, parties and social functions without prior clearance from Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) or Resident District Commissioners (RDCs).
“For any gathering, organizers must first seek guidance from the RCC or RDC and ensure strict adherence to Ebola prevention guidelines,” Angucia stated.
She added that Oli Health Centre IV in Arua City has been designated as the official Ebola isolation facility, cautioning residents against isolating suspected patients at home due to the risk of infecting family members.
Security checkpoints have meanwhile been established along the Kampala highway corridor stretching through Koboko, Maracha, Arua City, Arua District, Madi-Okollo, Nebbi, Zombo and Pakwach districts to regulate illegal movement from DRC.
Police warned that individuals found entering Uganda illegally from Ebola-affected areas risk arrest and deportation under public health regulations.
On June 12, 2026, authorities deported 15 Congolese nationals through Vurra Border Post after they were intercepted at different checkpoints, including Pakwach, Bondo and Ocoko. Police records further indicate that 59 Congolese nationals were intercepted in Pakwach District between June 2 and June 12 and deported through Dei, Goli and Vurra border points.
In Nebbi District, over 20 undocumented Congolese nationals were reportedly returned to DRC, while similar enforcement operations continue in Koboko District.
However, police reported an incident on June 13 in Koboko where a boda boda rider transporting three passengers allegedly refused to stop at a checkpoint for mandatory health screening. The rider reportedly crashed into a tyre cutter and sustained serious injuries before being rushed to hospital alongside the passengers.
Authorities have appealed to border communities to remain vigilant and promptly report illegal entries or suspected Ebola cases to the nearest authorities.
“Ebola is highly contagious but manageable if communities cooperate and strictly observe the preventive measures,” Angucia said.
Residents in Arua City have been advised to report suspected Ebola cases through emergency hotlines, including 0782070670 and 0777999265, while Arua Regional Referral Hospital can be reached on 0772879411. The national toll-free Ebola line is 0800100066.
Police further warned that individuals who deliberately violate Ebola SOPs could face arrest and prosecution under the Public Health Act.
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