Amolatar on high alert over Ebola risk linked to Congo fish trade

26 May 2026, 1:27 pm

By Alphonce Odur

Amolatar District is on high alert following a warning that the area faces a high risk of an Ebola outbreak linked to cross-border fish trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Local authorities have suspended major public gatherings and urged members of the public to immediately stop shaking hands, hugging and kissing to prevent potential transmission.

District Health Officer Jimmy Odongo issued the alert during the inaugural Ebola taskforce meeting, chaired by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Obonyo Magwar.

Odongo revealed that traders are collecting dried fish, locally known as bambala, from Amolatar and transporting it directly into the DRC. He warned that this active trade route significantly increases the risk of importing the virus back into the community.

Officials also noted that the busy Namasale ferry acts as a major transit point, moving diverse populations through the district daily, leaving Amolatar highly vulnerable.

In response to the threat, Deputy RDC Obonyo Magwar announced strict compliance measures, urging religious leaders to guide congregations in strictly following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He added that large gatherings face cancellation.

Authorities referenced the postponement of Martyrs’ Day and explicitly warned local Arsenal supporters to halt planned trophy celebrations.

He further advised that as schools reopen, management must enforce SOPs, including the mandatory provision of temperature guns and hand sanitisers.

District Surveillance Focal Person Douglas Otim admitted that Amolatar critically lacks personal protective equipment (PPE), and issued an urgent appeal to well-wishers and partners for medical supplies to help manage a potential outbreak.

To boost preparedness, James Odongo, representing the Chief Administrative Officer, directed that Ebola task forces be established at sub-county level. He also ordered all district departmental offices to immediately install handwashing facilities at their entrances.

Local fishermen have appealed for clear safety guidelines to protect their livelihoods. Enaso Edmond, a fisherman from Kayago, confirmed that Congolese nationals are already present in Namasale, while others are actively moving back and forth with fish cargo. He called for immediate and rigorous health screening at all border and docking points.

Concluding the emergency meeting, the Amolatar District Chairperson ordered the immediate strengthening of SOP enforcement at the Namasale ferry crossing to prevent a potential health catastrophe.