Alur Kingdom Issues Ebola Prevention Guidelines as DRC Outbreak Poses Risk to Border Districts

By Mike Rwothomio

The Alur Kingdom’s Minister of Health, Dr. Amos Nyathirombo, has issued fresh guidelines urging all subjects and residents to strictly adhere to Ministry of Health standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the possible spread of the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease.

In a statement issued by the Kingdom’s Communication Director, David Rupiny, the kingdom advised the public to remain vigilant following confirmed imported cases of Ebola into Uganda from the ongoing outbreak in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“Alur Kingdom therefore guides and advises all its subjects and all residents as follows,” the statement read.

The kingdom directed the public to:

Follow all guidelines and SOPs issued by the Ministry of Health regarding the outbreak.

Watch for symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding, and report them immediately to the nearest health facility.

These symptoms may mimic malaria or other common illnesses.

Avoid self-medication when unwell.

Avoid physical contact with sick people, including handshakes.

Immediately contact local health centres if someone falls ill and avoid hiding the sick.

Not touch the body of any suspected Ebola case.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

Avoid unnecessary public gatherings.

The statement further advised parents and guardians to ensure school-going children fully comply with school-specific SOPs as directed by the Ministry of Health when schools reopen.

The Alur Kingdom, whose subjects number in the millions, spans 56 chiefdoms in Uganda and 8 in the DRC. Its communities frequently interact through trade, social gatherings, cultural events, and free movement across porous borders in Zombo, Nebbi, and Pakwach districts, heightening the risk of disease spread.

As a precautionary measure, the Kingdom has advised against organising large cultural gatherings such as Agwara and Ndara dances, last funeral rites, and other celebrations that attract big crowds. Where such events are unavoidable, organisers must consult closely with the Ministry of Health or district health departments.

The kingdom emphasized community cooperation, stating that acting fast and collaborating with health teams has successfully contained previous Ebola outbreaks.

“Do not rely on rumours or social media that may create unnecessary alarm. Seek information from qualified health workers,” the statement added.

It called on all Alur Kingdom Chiefs, cultural and religious leaders to take the lead in guiding their subjects during this period.

The guidelines come as Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed two imported Ebola cases and traced 127 contacts.

Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, and Arua districts have been flagged as high-risk due to their proximity to the epicentre in Ituri Province, DRC.

The Alur Kingdom recently postponed the 19th Enthronement Anniversary of His Royal Majesty Ubimu Phillip Olarker Rauni III, originally scheduled for May 19, 2026, in line with President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to postpone mass gatherings, including the June 3 Martyrs’ Day celebrations, as a safety measure.

The Bundibugyo strain currently circulating in DRC has no approved vaccine, though experimental vaccines are in development.

According to the World Health Organization, Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is a severe and often fatal form of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus of the Orthoebolavirus genus. The disease is transmitted to humans from wild animals, particularly fruit bats, and spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected persons, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials.

Symptoms usually appear suddenly and initially include fever, fatigue, malaise, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These are often followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash, and signs of impaired kidney and liver function.

The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Alur King His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III

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