MoH Reactivates Ebola Taskforce To Conduct Surveillance In Zombo district

By Alex Pithua

‎The Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) have reactivated "Ebola Taskforce" to conduct surveillance in Zombo district, after fatality is confirmed.

‎Zombo district in North Western part of the country is situated at the frontier of North East of Democratic Republic Congo, Mahagi territory Ituri province. 

‎It's believed that the confirmed case of Ebola death in Uganda originated from DR Congo.

‎The taskforce team comprising health workers, political leaders, community vigilantes  among others are being led by Resident District Commissioner Zombo as Chairperson.

‎The taskforce members are tasked to conduct surveillance, response, screening, coordination, referrals and sensitizing the mass about Ebola epidemic.

‎In May 15th 2026, Ministry of Health and President of the republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni Kaguta declared outbreak of Ebola in the country,  hence the country is on alert and tracing the contacts to prevent further spread.

‎Speaking during the first taskforce meeting at Zombo district's boardroom, on Tuesday 19th May 2026, the District Health Officer Dr. Mark Bonney Bramali revealed that they have reactivated screening Centre at Padea one stop border point.

‎Dr. Bramali observed that arrangements are underway to open another screening Centre at Alisi gazetted border point in Paidha town council to carryout screening.

‎He acknowledged that there's challenge in controlling the movement of people between the two countries adding that they are ensuring they conduct thorough screening at the border crossing points.

‎Festus Ayikubua, Zombo Resident district Commissioner who doubled as Chairperson taskforce remarks that since the nationals of the two countries enjoys markets  and available services without interference at the border, urging leaders to engaged populace on efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola.

‎According to Ekuka Godfrey the Public Health Officer MoH-Department of Intergretated Epidemiology Surveillance and Public Health Emergency, Standard Operating Procedures  (SOPs) have been reactivated such use of sanitizer, thermometer gun, frequent hand washing, and avoiding physical contact, hagging, handshaking, isolation among others respectively.

‎Ekuka added that  several measures have been put in place for operating markets, mass gatherings, functions, operating public transport, burials, Church and Mosques prayers etcetera.

‎Ministry of Health reactivated Ebola taskforce to conduct surveillance in Zombo district. Photo by Alex Pithua

Alex Pithua is the News Editor at Zoomer Africa, your trusted grassroots information hub for African stories, voices, and updates.