Kamwenge Tightens Ebola Prevention Measures in Schools, Public Places

Public spaces in Kamwenge Town Council, Uganda, are enhancing the implementation of health guidelines to prevent the spread of Ebola. These measures follow reported outbreaks in Uganda and the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in early May 2026.

As schools prepare to reopen for their second term, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, has issued stringent operational guidelines. These include installing handwashing facilities, setting up temperature screening points, and designating isolation areas for potential cases. Similar directives have been extended to places of worship, health facilities, and other public gathering spots.

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We have suspended large school gatherings and restricted visitor access to the school as part of our efforts to minimize the risk of Ebola transmission. We want to ensure that learners continue their studies in a safe environment.

At Mirambi K Primary School, handwashing stations are visible at entrances and throughout the compound, with sanitizers available in offices. The Head Teacher, Aliifa Ntebwamu, noted that the school has suspended large gatherings and limited visitor access to ensure a safe learning environment. St Anthony Special Needs Primary School administrators also confirmed strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with regular reminders on hygiene and symptom reporting.

Rev. Fr. James Isabakaki of Kamwenge Catholic Parish directed all churches within the deanery to comply with Ministry of Health guidelines, stating that protecting lives is a shared responsibility. He commended President Yoweri Museveni for prioritizing public health. According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda has recorded a total of 19 Ebola cases, comprising 14 imported from the DRC and five local transmissions, with no documented community spread. The ministry continues to manage the Bundibugyo Ebola virus through rigorous cross-border screening, contact tracing, and temporary suspensions of mass gatherings in affected zones.

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Protecting lives is everyone's responsibility. We have instructed all churches in the deanery to observe the health guidelines and cooperate with authorities to prevent the spread of Ebola.