Nebbi Diocese suspends indoor worship to combat Ebola spread
“These measures are not about hatred but life,” he emphasized.
Nebbi: The Bishop of the Nebbi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Pons Ozelle Awinju, has directed all churches under the diocese to conduct prayers and worship services outdoors as part of measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.
Bishop Awinju issued the directive on Sunday during the ordination of four priests at St. Stephen’s Cathedral Goli.
“All services should be outside the church to allow social distancing because of Ebola,” the Bishop said.
He further ordered all churches to install hand-washing facilities, warning that any church found operating without them would be closed.
The Bishop also announced a series of infection prevention measures to be observed during church activities. During baptisms, parents will be required to hold their children while pastors avoid direct physical contact. During confirmation services, the Bishop will not lay hands on candidates but will instead pray for them from a distance.
He also directed pastors to frequently wash and sanitize their hands while administering Holy Communion and prohibited physical greetings during church services.
Nebbi Diocese comprises more than 40 parishes spread across the districts of Zombo District, Nebbi District, and Pakwach District. The predominantly Alur-speaking communities in these districts maintain close cultural, linguistic, and family ties with communities across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
While acknowledging the importance of these relationships, Bishop Awinju urged Christians to limit cross-border movements during the outbreak.
“These measures are not about hatred but life,” he emphasized.
Additional directives include prohibiting social interactions after church services, requiring congregants to return directly home, and suspending all-night prayer gatherings. Only daytime services will be permitted until further notice.
The Bishop, who recently returned from official leave, also announced plans to begin a pastoral tour for confirmation services starting in Ukuru Archdeaconry. He said confirmation candidates would be required to sleep in their homes rather than gather overnight at church venues.
Services during the tour will be strictly conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. The Bishop added that he would not spend nights in parishes during the tour and, where necessary, would stay at an archdeacon’s residence without requiring welfare reception teams.
The measures are in line with the national Ebola containment strategy being implemented by the Ministry of Health Uganda to strengthen surveillance and reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
Authorities in Zombo, Nebbi, and Pakwach districts have intensified monitoring along border points due to frequent movement of traders and residents between Uganda and the DRC. Markets including Paidha, Malaba and Alangi in Zombo, Nyalip in Nebbi, and Panyimur in Pakwach have been identified as high-risk points because of regular cross-border trade.
On Monday, security personnel in Panyimur Market dispersed traders using teargas after they allegedly violated Ebola prevention guidelines by mingling freely with traders from the DRC.
Pakwach Deputy RDC, Achille Twaib, said enforcement operations would continue as part of ongoing efforts to control the spread of the virus.
In Zombo District, authorities have also closed several popular night spots as part of heightened Ebola prevention measures.
Meanwhile, Philip Rauni Ularker III, the King of the Alur Kingdom, recently suspended major social functions and gatherings and issued guidelines aligned with Ministry of Health directives.
The current outbreak involves the Ebola Virus Disease, a severe and often fatal disease. Health authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, observe preventive measures, and report suspected cases promptly to health officials.
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