Buliisa suspends night discos, weekly markets over Ebola fears

Buliisa: Authorities in Buliisa District have suspended the operation of weekly markets and night discos as part of heightened measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.

The resolutions were reached on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 during a District Ebola Taskforce meeting held at the district headquarters.

Speaking after the meeting, Longino Bahebwa Byagagaire, the Buliisa Resident District Commissioner and District Ebola Taskforce Chairperson said the district had adopted several preventive measures aimed at minimizing the risk of transmission.

The measures include the suspension of night discos, restrictions on movement from 10:00 p.m. onwards, and a requirement for organizers to seek permission before holding parties and public events. Bars will remain open but will be closely monitored.

“We have adopted several preventive measures, including the suspension of night discos, restriction of movement from 10:00 p.m. onwards, and requiring party organizers to seek permission before holding events. Bars remain open but are under close observation,” Bahebwa said.

He explained that weekly markets have been suspended because they attract traders from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), increasing the risk of cross-border disease transmission.

“Weekly markets have been suspended because they attract traders from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, which poses a heightened risk of disease transmission,” he added.

Bahebwa further revealed that boats operating between Buliisa and Panyimur have been directed to reduce passenger capacity from 60 to 25 people, while ferry services have reduced passenger numbers from 600 to 200 per trip. Despite the restrictions, the ferry will continue operating three times daily.

He appealed to residents to promptly report any suspected Ebola cases to health workers, police, and other relevant authorities. He also urged the public to avoid direct contact with suspected patients and strictly adhere to preventive measures such as regular handwashing, maintaining social distance, avoiding overcrowded places, and refraining from handshakes.

The RDC dismissed reports that schools would be closed, emphasizing that learning institutions remain open under guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. He encouraged parents and guardians to continue sending their children to school.

Meanwhile, the Hoima City Ebola Taskforce has temporarily closed Karongo Weekly Market over fears of Ebola transmission.

Speaking during an extraordinary council sitting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Hoima City Resident City Commissioner and Taskforce Chairperson, Hajj Badru Mugabi, said the market, which operates every Saturday, attracts large numbers of fish traders from communities along Lake Albert and neighboring DRC, currently considered a high-risk area for Ebola.

Mugabi said the National Ebola Taskforce had directed the suspension of weekly and monthly markets in high-risk border districts, with recommendations passed on to local authorities for implementation.

He also revealed that the national taskforce had issued guidance on regulating inter-district movement and advised religious pilgrims to avoid unnecessary travel to reduce the risk of infection.

Despite the heightened alert, Mugabi confirmed that Hoima City has not registered any confirmed Ebola cases. He noted that samples collected from several individuals had all tested negative.

He, however, urged leaders and Christians preparing for Martyrs Day celebrations to strictly observe standard operating procedures, including avoiding physical contact, regular sanitization, and temperature screening at places of worship.

Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with health officials as efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola intensify across the Albertine region.

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