By Alex Pithua

‎As the country confirmed and declared cases of Ebola outbreak, the Uganda's Ministry of health together with support from  U.N International Organization of Migration (IOM)  trained 100 Village Health Teams  (VHTS) members in Zombo district on Ebola surveillance, reporting and risk communication

‎This is to strengthen early detection and containment of  spread of Ebola epidemic in Uganda.

‎The Ministry of Health has reactivated the Ebola Taskforce in the country on May 15th 2026, following confirmation of a fatal Ebola case.

‎By the time of filling this story Uganda cumulatively recorded 15 cases,  hence Uganda have heightened surveillance and response measures along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

‎During the three  days training at Zombo town council, the MoH, skilled the VHTS on how Ebola can spread, transmitted, signs, symptoms, surveillance, coordination, prevention measures, reporting among others.

‎While training the VHTS Dr. Brian Odaga Community Based Surveillance Technical Lead at Ministry of Health emphasized to the participants to reject myths about Ebola, sensitize community members about Ebola and report unusual signs and symptoms to the nearby health facilities in charge, and district health department respectively.

MoH trained 100 VHTS in Zombo district to conduct Ebola surveillance and reporting. Photo by Alex Pithua

‎Dr. Odaga  stressed to the VHTS to "mobilize and sensitize the community about Ebola and importance of regulating mass gatherings".

‎Zombo District in northwestern Uganda is one of the high risk areas borders Mahagi Territory in Ituri Province, DR Congo, an area believed to be the origin of the confirmed Ebola-related death reported in Uganda.

‎Meanwhile the provincial capital Bunia is believed to be the epicenter of Ebola outbreak.

‎Zombo district surveillance officer, Agness Monu encouraged VHTS and LC I chairpersons to cascade the  massages of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and hand washing to the households.

‎" if you listen to any rumors about Ebola you must report."  Sister Monu implored

‎Zombo district health educator  Harriet Thumitho, emphasized that, the VHTS from Sub-counties and town councils bordering DRC frontier to be extra vigilant and monitor movement of people to and from at the porous points.

Related Article: MoH Reactivates Ebola Taskforce To Conduct Surveillance In Zombo district

‎Measures such as  use of sanitizers, temperature screening, frequent hand washing, avoiding physical contact such as handshakes and hugging, and isolation of suspected cases.

‎Strick preventive measures have been introduced for public gatherings, markets, transport systems, religious services, and burial ceremonies as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.

‎Angala Aron Ayikanying, VHTS member of Thurimbi village Omoyo Parish Zeu has appealed to the community to embrace and adhere to the measures put in place to contain the spread of Ebola.

‎Alex Matunga, VHTS member of Ugengu Cell, Dindu ward, Padea town council, called for cooperation among  LC I chairpersons, track drivers health workers at the border screening points and residents of Uganda and DR Congo to respect the measures put by the authorities.

‎Mourine Canwegu, VHTS member from Jobe village, Gamba Parish, Alangi Sub-county urged children attending primary school from both countries to abstain from using porous entre points.

‎During a taskforce meeting held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Zombo District boardroom, District Health Officer Dr. Mark  Bramali Bonny said screening services have been reactivated at the Padea One Stop Border Point.

‎Dr. Bramali acknowledged that controlling cross-border movement remains a major challenge, but emphasized that authorities are prioritizing strict screening at all entry points.

‎Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikubua, who also chairs the taskforce, urged local leaders to intensify community engagement, noting that cross-border interaction remains high due to shared markets and services between Uganda and DR Congo.

‎Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikubua, who also chairs the taskforce, urged local leaders to intensify community engagement, noting that cross-border interaction remains high due to shared markets and services between Uganda and DR Congo.

Dr. Brian Odaga from MoH training Zombo district VHTS on Ebola surveillance and reporting.(Photo by Alex Pithua)

Alex Pithua is news editor at Zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub for African stories trends and updates

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