RUBIRIZI – Health and security officials in Rubirizi District have appealed to the public to abandon risky cultural practices and dietary habits as Uganda grapples with the threat of an Ebola outbreak.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The appeal was made by officials during a press engagement at the district headquarters on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to contain the disease and strengthen preparedness to prevent its spread.
The District Health Surveillance Officer, Dr. Ahimbisibwe Anna, charged residents to stop poaching and eating bushmeat, warning that dead or wild animals in the bushes may have died from Ebola.
She asserted that Rubirizi District has no confirmed Ebola case, but emphasized that complacency is not an option since health teams remain well-trained, on high alert, and ready to respond to any suspected case.
“Let me be clear: Rubirizi District has no Ebola case, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Stop poaching and consuming bushmeat. We encourage our people to always wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, to stay home when feeling unwell, and to report any strange fevers or bleeding to the nearest health facility immediately,” stated Dr. Ahimbisibwe.
She further directed health workers to screen every patient presenting with fever, vomiting, or bleeding, reaffirming that the district is working closely with the Ministry of Health and security to monitor the situation daily.
Dr. Ahimbisibwe urged calm rather than panic, reminding residents that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick person, and that standard operating procedures remain the only defense against the disease.
The Rubirizi District Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Rwamutojo Dagarous, assured the public that security is on full alert, with screening strengthened at all border points and entry routes into the district.
He called for vigilance in Ebola prevention and appealed to health workers not to stigmatize or reject patients but to care for them and work together for their safety.
Assistant RDC Rwamutojo further urged the public to remain calm, avoid rumors, and cooperate fully with security and health teams, adding that any suspected Ebola cases should be reported immediately.
“Security is on full alert. We have strengthened screening at all border points and entry routes into Rubirizi, and every person entering the district is being checked. I appeal to health workers not to stigmatize or reject patients; care for them and work together for their safety. I also want to urge the public to avoid rumors and cooperate fully with the health teams,” noted Rwamutojo.
Uganda has confirmed two Ebola cases since the disease was first detected in the neighboring DRC, and the Health Ministry has since issued a temporary ban on handshakes and physical greetings.
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