By Our Reporter
OBONGI, UGANDA — The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi District, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, and the Assistant RDC, Robert Obina Komakech, have partnered with religious leaders to enforce strict Ebola surveillance as schools prepare to officially reopen tomorrow.
Following a high-level coordination meeting, the district security heads joined the Parish Priest and the main celebrant for a solidarity photo moment directly after today’s Holy Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish in Obongi Town.
Altar Call for Vigilance
During the Sunday sermon, the Reverend Father turned the pulpit into a health sensitization platform. He strongly urged the congregation and the wider public to remain highly vigilant against the deadly Ebola outbreak.
The cleric emphasized that the strict execution of Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)—including mandatory handwashing, temperature monitoring, and social distancing—must be fully maintained inside all places of worship, schools, open-air markets, and crowded public places.
Ferry Crossing Poses High Risk
Addressing the Christian community immediately after the church service, RDC Mpimbaza Hashaka warned that Obongi District’s unique transit infrastructure places it on the frontline of potential regional transmission.
“Obongi remains classified among the highest-risk districts in the region,” Hashaka explained. “Our strategic location along the major highway connecting Arua and Koboko channels thousands of travelers directly through our ferry crossing point every single day.”
The RDC issued a rallying call to all residents, especially transport operators and business owners near the docks, to remain on maximum alert, meticulously observe all health guidelines, and provide absolute cooperation to field health authorities conducting routine cross-border screenings.
Schools Reopen Tomorrow
Shifting focus to the resumption of the academic calendar, the RDC reminded parents and guardians that the new school term resumes tomorrow morning without any delays.
Hashaka instructed parents to ensure all children report back to their respective classrooms at dawn without fail. He assured the public that the district task force has systematically worked with headteachers to establish watertight safety protocols, guaranteeing a safe learning environment across all local schools despite the ongoing national health emergency.
Rev Fr. Andama David stated that both Arua and Koboko are border districts with DRC where there are many cases of ebola virus hence people of Obongi have to be alert.
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