Kanungu District has lifted all internal Ebola-related restrictions, allowing businesses, markets, schools and social activities to resume following the Ministry of Health’s declaration that Uganda is officially Ebola-free.
The decision was reached during a meeting of the Kanungu District Ebola Task Force held on Wednesday at the District Health Boardroom. The meeting, chaired by Resident District Commissioner and Task Force Chairperson Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire, reviewed the district’s public health situation and agreed on measures to safely reopen the local economy while maintaining vigilance against possible cross-border infections.
Under the new directives, weekly markets, businesses, entertainment venues, including bars and discos, sporting activities and social events such as family gatherings, church functions and school visitation days have all been cleared to resume immediately.
The task force also directed heads of departments and sectors to closely supervise the reopening process to ensure public health measures continue to be observed.
Despite easing internal restrictions, Mwesigye warned that Kanungu remains at high risk because of ongoing Ebola cases in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He announced that all official border entry points, including Kyeshero and Ishasha, together with informal crossing routes, will remain closed to cross-border trade and movement until the Ministry of Health issues further guidance. Security agencies have been directed to strictly enforce the border restrictions to prevent the importation of the virus.
District Health Officer Canon Dr Birungi Mutahunga said Uganda’s 42-day countdown to being declared Ebola-free was based on the last locally transmitted case rather than imported infections.
He urged residents to remain alert, noting that community surveillance, public reporting of suspected cases and Village Health Team training programmes will continue under the One Health approach.
The meeting also reviewed other public health concerns in the district.
Health officials reported that a patient who had contracted Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) was successfully treated and discharged from the Kihihi Infectious Diseases Treatment Unit. Four contacts linked to the patient tested negative, while surveillance of the remaining contacts is ongoing.
The Ministry of Health has also intensified malaria prevention efforts by distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets in parishes along the district’s western border, with Nyakashure Parish expected to receive its allocation in the coming days. The district has also requested Indoor Residual Spraying for schools and homes.
Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries confirmed the detection of Rift Valley Fever antibodies in livestock, while investigations into suspected Foot and Mouth Disease cases continue.
The ministry also announced that farmers will now be required to meet the full cost of livestock vaccinations under a new national policy. The District Production Department will work with local community structures to support farmers in implementing the programme.
Although restrictions have been lifted, the task force urged residents to continue observing key infection prevention measures, including regular hand washing, temperature screening at public places, maintaining appropriate physical distance and avoiding handshakes and hugs as the district remains on high alert.
