Throughout the day, dozens of motorcycles, trucks, tricycles and pedestrians stream through unofficial crossing points in Nebbi, Adjumani, Maracha, Koboko, Yumbe, Arua, Moyo and Zombo districts.
Some carry sacks of cassava flour, smoked fish, beans, timber, cooking oil and fuel from Congo. Others head to South Sudan with sugar, soap and manufactured goods bought from Ugandan markets.
For many border communities, crossing between countries is part of daily life. On weekends, crowds flock to both sides for leisure and religious functions. Revelers from the DRC cross for discos in Mangasaba, Ayivu West Division in Arua City, while Kampala Market in Logiri Sub-county operates on both sides of the border and cultural ties run deep.
But health officials fear the same movement could provide the fastest route for Ebola to spread into Uganda’s West Nile region.
Now religious and cultural leaders are closing doors to such gatherings. Leaders across the region have announced a ban on all traditional, secular and religious events.
In Nebbi, the Marian Rosary Crusade scheduled for May 30 at Nebbi Cathedral Parish has been postponed to August. The event was expected to draw thousands of faithful from Uganda and the DRC.
‘The request arises from the prevalence of Ebola which calls for vigilance and care knowing that our Diocese falls within the districts that are grouped as highly risky,’ said Fr. Michael Citia, Spiritual Director in Nebbi Catholic Diocese, on May 25.
‘During this period, we ask you Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the country’s personalities that are on the forefront in the pursuit against Ebola. We too pray for our Diocese, the Bishop and all pastoral agents whose ministry exposes them either directly or indirectly,’ he added.
Dr. Amos Nyathirombo, Minister of Health in Alur Kingdom, said the outbreak was a matter of great concern given the kingdom’s shared cultural and economic ties with the DRC’s Ebola epicentres.
‘We advise against organizing any cultural gatherings like Agwara and Ndara dances, last funeral rites, and celebrations that bring in large public gatherings,’ Nyathirombo said.
The 11th Edition Alur Cultural Festival, set for May 31, has also been postponed to the end of June pending a situational analysis.
‘Given that Paidha is a border area and is a red-zone, the organizing committee has chosen to prioritize the health, safety and wellbeing of all participants, guests and community,’ said Francis Ringulango II, CEO of the Cultural Festival.
Events cancelled beyond West Nile
In Soroti, the Catholic Diocese has called off the thanksgiving mass for the homecoming of Bishop Simon Peter Engurait, who was ordained and installed as Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana in 2025.
‘The recent outbreak and ongoing prevalence of Ebola cases in some parts of our country has had some setback on our planned program,’ said Msgr. Fr. Robert Ecogu, Vicar General for Soroti Catholic Diocese.
‘Bishop Simon will not be able to travel to Uganda as scheduled. In other words, we cannot celebrate his homecoming yet, until the country is declared Ebola-free and we are able to reschedule,’ he said.
The thanksgiving mass was due for June 19, 2026, in Ngora District.
Schools and border points feel the impact
Last week the Ministry of Health issued Standard Operating Procedures for schools. But in Kumi Municipality, turnout has dropped sharply due to Ebola fears.
‘Out of 1,689 learners, only 477 have reported,’ said Francis Oligo, head teacher of Bazaar Ward Primary School.
At Elegu border post in Amuru District, authorities have banned public gatherings to curb possible spread. The border is one of the busiest crossings linking East Africa to South Sudan.
‘Gatherings including night discos, church gatherings and music concerts have been banned,’ said Amuru RDC Osborn Ocheng, who chairs the district task force enforcing preventive measures.
Refugee influx raises new risks
From the north to the east and west, government measures have intensified following an increase in Congolese refugees arriving at Nyakabande Transit Center in Kisoro District.
‘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, and community sensitization,’ said commandant John Bosco Kyaligonza.
He said most refugees are fleeing hunger and armed militias in areas including Kisigari, Binza, Kiseguro and Kiwanja in the DRC. Screening continues before relocation to settlement camps.
But overstretched resources remain a challenge.
‘We lack manpower because many development partners laid off some of their employees citing funding gaps. We are also faced with the challenge of congestion – the facility for about 850 individuals is now accommodating 1,775 Congolese from 1,239 households,’ Kyaligonza said.