By Mike Rwothomio

West Nile regional authorities have intensified security operations, including checks at bus stops and major highway checkpoints, resulting in the deportation of dozens of unspecified Congolese nationals suspected of illegal entry as part of efforts to curb the potential spread of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to a statement issued by the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, authorities have stepped up enforcement of Ebola Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) following two joint security committee/taskforce meetings chaired by the Regional Police Commander, SSP Latif Zake, on Friday 5th June 2026 and Thursday 11th June 2026 at Arua Regional Police Headquarters.

Security teams have established checkpoints along the Kampala highway from Koboko, Maracha, Arua City, Arua district, Madi-Okollo, Nebbi, Zombo, and Pakwach to monitor and control movement, particularly targeting individuals traveling illegally from Ebola-affected areas in DR Congo.

Those found entering illegally are arrested and deported.

Deportations Surge

Angucia confirmed that On 12th June 2026, a total of 15 Congolese were deported back to DR Congo through Vurra Border post in Arua district. Additional interceptions that day included 11 at Pakwach, 4 at Bondo checkpoint, and 2 at Ocoko checkpoint in Arua district.

In Pakwach district, 59 Congolese intercepted using various transport means between 2nd and 12th June 2026 were deported via Dei, Goli, and Vurra border posts.

In Nebbi district, over 20 Congolese nationals who had sneaked in illegally were also deported. Similar operations are ongoing in Koboko district.

Authorities note that West Nile shares a highly porous border with Ituri province in DR Congo, which has over 150 crossing points, many ungazetted.

Congolese nationals often use boda bodas, taxis, buses, hotels, and lodges, prompting increased surveillance at these points, including guest registration and screening.

The operations follow confirmed Ebola cases in Uganda, including several Congolese nationals. The porous border, coupled with close ethnic ties between communities on both sides (such as Lugbara, Kebu, Alur, Lendu, Kakwa, Kaliko, and Logo), facilitates frequent crossings, raising transmission risks.

Key SOPs being enforced include mandatory handwashing facilities, sanitizers, and temperature checks in public places; suspension of border markets; restrictions on gatherings, discos, and parties unless cleared by the Resident City Commissioner/Resident District Commissioner (RCC/RDC); and proper isolation at designated facilities like Oli Health Centre 4 in Arua City.

SSP Josephine Angucia, West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, issued the statement detailing the operations and urged border communities to remain vigilant, report illegal entries promptly, and adhere strictly to the SOPs.

"Health security is very important, and so, we encourage strict observation and adherence to the SOPs on prevention of Ebola," the statement emphasized.

The public was cautioned that failure to comply with the measures could lead to arrest and prosecution under the Public Health Act.

Emergency contact numbers have been provided for reporting suspects, including 0782070670 and 0777999265 for Arua City.

Operations, including bus and vehicle checks along key routes, continue as joint security teams work to prevent further illegal entries and contain the disease.

Congolese-registered private vehicles intercepted at Ocoko along the Arua–Kampala Highway were deported back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through the Vurra Border Post on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for Africa news stories and updates