RDCs say ferry route via Sinyanya poses cross-border transmission risk .
BY OKIDI PATRICK
ADJUMANI/ OBONGI — Authorities in Adjumani and Obongi districts have banned the transportation of pigs to the Democratic Republic of Congo with immediate effect, as part of efforts to contain the spread of Ebola.
The directive was issued Tuesday by Adjumani Resident District Commissioner Swaibu Toko and his Obongi counterpart Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka during an emergency inter-district Ebola task force meeting at Sinyanya Landing Site.
The two RDCs said intelligence showed traders were ferrying pigs for sale to DRC using the Adjumani-Sinyanya-Obongi ferry and other porous border points.
“We have confirmed that pigs are being transported across to DRC. This poses a risk and so we are stopping it with immediate effect to protect our people,” Toko said.
Hashaka noted that the task forces had earlier resolved to ban pig movement but were now enforcing it more strictly.
Security beefed up
The meeting was attended by Adjumani DPC SP Masembe, Obongi OC Station Owen Owoyesiga, Obongi DRDC Abaho Paul, Adjumani ARDC Komakech Robert Obina and other task force members.
They resolved that security agencies should impound pigs and arrest any person found defying the directive for prosecution.
Health experts say restricting animal movement is key in preventing the spread of Ebola, which can be transmitted through contact with infected animals.
The RDCs called on traders, fishermen and transporters to comply, saying the ban will remain in place until the Ebola situation is contained.
Both districts have also stepped up community sensitization and surveillance along border areas.
Adjumani and Obongi have banned ferrying pigs to DRC via Sinyanya to curb Ebola. RDCs Toko and Hashaka say violators will be arrested. Security has been deployed at landing sites.
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