By Vicent Emong
KUMI — School administrators across Uganda have been urged to strictly enforce Ebola Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) following renewed health concerns linked to outbreaks reported in regions neighboring the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The call was made as schools officially reopened for the new term, with health authorities warning that increased movement of people poses a risk of disease transmission if preventive measures are ignored.
Speaking in an interview, Kumi District Health Educator John Adae Kamiri cautioned the public to remain vigilant and observe all Ministry of Health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola.
“I want to inform the public that we have threats of Ebola in neighboring districts bordering Congo. The Ministry of Health has already put stringent measures in place to harmonize the situation,” Kamiri said.
He explained that Kumi District remains particularly vulnerable because it lies along a busy highway used by travelers from different parts of the country and neighboring regions.
“Kumi is a highway district with many travelers moving in and out. I caution the public to remain vigilant and be one another’s keeper. If you notice signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or oozing blood from the mouth, nose, or ears, please report immediately to health authorities,” he emphasized.
Kamiri appealed to headteachers and school administrators to strengthen preventive measures within schools as learners return for studies.
He urged schools to enforce regular handwashing, sanitizing, and strict control of visitors entering school premises.
“Let us uphold the SOPs of washing hands and sanitizing. Schools should not allow strangers to enter anyhow. Any visitor coming to school must be authorized so that we minimize unnecessary exposure,” he stated.
According to Kamiri, globalization and easy regional travel have increased the risk of disease transmission, making vigilance critical for communities and institutions.
“We live in a global world where someone can travel from Congo to Uganda within a very short time. We must therefore exercise caution to prevent Ebola from spreading into our communities and Uganda at large,” he added.
The health educator also revealed that some public gatherings, including Mother’s Day celebrations, had previously been postponed due to fears surrounding Ebola outbreaks.
“Handling an Ebola outbreak is extremely costly, yet we are still struggling economically as a developing country with constrained budgets. That is why vigilance is very important,” he noted.
Kamiri further urged taxi operators, market vendors, and managers of public places to strengthen hygiene practices by ensuring that handwashing facilities and sanitizers are readily available.
“I implore taxi operators and market managers to step up SOPs in public gatherings. Handwashing facilities and sanitizers should be accessible because people move from one place to another and you never know who may be infected,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, Kumi District Inspector of Schools Bernard Ossele disclosed that a team of inspectors had already been deployed to monitor schools and assess compliance with Ebola prevention measures.
Ossele said many schools visited so far had embraced proper hygiene practices, including installation of handwashing facilities at school gates, classrooms, and pit latrines.
“I visited Aputon Primary School and Agaitha School, and handwashing was actively taking place,” he revealed.
He challenged school administrators to remain alert while admitting learners and monitor any possible Ebola symptoms among pupils and visitors.
Ossele also announced plans by the district education department to convene meetings with headteachers in order to strengthen sensitization on Ebola prevention guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
Health officials continue to emphasize that community vigilance, hygiene practices, and early reporting of suspected cases remain key in preventing the spread of Ebola across Uganda.
