Uganda has intensified Ebola prevention measures at the Nyakabande Transit Centre in Kisoro District following a sharp rise in Congolese refugees fleeing insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as officials warn that congestion and staffing shortages are straining response efforts.
The move comes amid heightened regional concern over the latest Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo linked to the Bundibugyo strain, with Uganda having so far confirmed seven Ebola cases in the May 2026 outbreak.
Nyakabande Transit Centre commandant John Bosco Kyaligonza said authorities had prioritised Ebola screening at the facility due to fears of cross-border transmission from DR Congo, where the disease has already claimed lives.
‘We have enhanced Ebola prevention measures such as mandatory handwashing for anyone entering the facility, strict medical screening of new arrivals for Ebola symptoms, wearing face masks for staff and visitors, community sensitisation about Ebola and re-screening before relocation of the refugees to the settlement camps,’ Kyaligonza said on Monday.
The transit centre, located near the Uganda-DR Congo border, is currently accommodating more than double its intended capacity, with 1,775 refugees from 1,239 households despite having space for about 850 people.
Kyaligonza said most refugees arriving at the facility originate from conflict-hit areas including Kisigari, Binza, Kiseguro, Katwiguru, Bweza, Rugari, Kabaya, Kanombe, Karengera, Bukoma, Busanza, Kiwanja, Tongo, Rumangabo and Mutanda in eastern DR Congo.
Many refugees cited worsening insecurity, hunger and attacks by armed groups as reasons for fleeing into Uganda.
‘Although there is no serious fighting in East Democratic Republic of Congo, we are facing generalised insecurity in form of gross human rights abuses such as rape, gender-based violence, economic exploitation through extortion and looting, abductions for ransom, forced recruitment among others,’ said refugee Zawadi Simbenzye.
‘All those atrocities are done by militia groups such as Wazalendo, FDLR and Mai-Mai and other bandits who take advantage of the security gaps,’ she told Monitor on Tuesday.
Officials said an isolation centre has also been maintained at Nyakabande to handle suspected Ebola cases as a precautionary measure.
However, Kyaligonza warned that the facility was struggling with limited manpower and shortages of personal protective equipment after several development partners reportedly reduced staffing due to funding constraints.
‘Although we have stepped up Ebola screening services at our facility, we lack manpower because many development partners laid off some of their employees citing funding gaps,’ he said.
‘Inadequate personal protective equipment such as face masks, gloves and sanitisers are some of the other challenges,’ he added.
The refugee influx has surged sharply in recent weeks. According to officials, refugee arrivals rose from about 50 people per day in previous months to an average of 253 daily arrivals since mid-May.
From January to May 24, Uganda registered 7,183 Congolese refugees from 4,773 households through the transit centre.
Authorities now plan to relocate about 1,200 refugees from Nyakabande to Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District to ease congestion and reduce public health risks.
The LCIII chairperson for Bunagana Town Council, Ismail Ndyayambaje, urged border communities to remain vigilant and strictly observe Ebola prevention measures.
Uganda has in recent months heightened surveillance at border points and health facilities following renewed Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring DR Congo.
Health officials say screening, rapid isolation and cross-border coordination remain critical to preventing further spread of the disease.