BY OKIDI PATRICK
OBONGI. Obongi District Local Government has constituted a district Ebola task force following the outbreak of the hemorrhagic fever in Uganda, which has already claimed several lives.
The task force is chaired by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, and co-chaired by the District Chairperson, Haji Abibu Buga Kemis Awadi.
Other key members of the team include:
- Paul Abaho (Deputy RDC)
- Robert Obina Komakech and Habiba Furaha Umuhoza (Assistant RDCs)
- Dr. Arike Joseph (District Health Officer)
- Dominic Lomerechu and Sunday Dragule (Assistant DHOs)
- ASP Moses Akena (District Police Commander)
- Representatives from development and humanitarian partners operating in the area.
High-Risk Factors
While launching the task force, Hashaka called for immediate vigilance and strict adherence to prevention guidelines.
He warned that Obongi is highly vulnerable due to its geographical positioning and demographic makeup. The district currently hosts over 142,000 refugees.
Furthermore, the Sinyanya ferry crossing facilitates daily movement of people and goods connecting Uganda to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—the latter being the historical origin of the virus.
Tightening Border Control
To mitigate these risks, the Obongi District Health Taskforce is pushing for an immediate, robust screening mechanism.
The health team emphasizes that proactive health checks and tight border management at the Sinyanya Ferry crossing point will form the district’s first line of defense against the cross-border spread of Ebola.
About the Author
