Alur King rallies subjects against hiding Ebola victims

Nebbi: His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III, the King of Alur, has rallied his subjects across 56 chiefdoms in Uganda and 8 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to stop hiding people with Ebola-like symptoms at home and has directed traditional chiefs to intensify sensitization and mobilization efforts amid rising cases.

The King’s message was delivered by the Prime Minister of Alur Kingdom, Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, on June 1 during the burial of the late Prince Terensio Oduburu Jalukongu,  a retired head teacher and the first chairman of the Atyak Royal Council (2001–2005), at Akoyu village, Atyak sub-county, Zombo district.

“If you know someone who came from Mongwalu and Bunia areas of the DRC who is sick, report to the nearest health worker or call the district/zone health office. Do not hide such cases,” the King said in the message read by the Prime Minister.

The monarch also urged the use of effective Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms to address rampant land conflicts and mob actions against suspected witchcraft victims.

In his urgent message, King Ubimu Olarker described the Ebola situation in eastern DRC as having “struck with real vengeance like an enemy ready to wipe out an entire generation,” with over a thousand people suspected infected and hundreds of suspected deaths reported.

The King advised  that individuals with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding be immediately transported to a health center, while advising against home treatment or touching deceased individuals. The directives also call for avoiding large cultural gatherings, frequent handwashing, and strict adherence to Uganda and DRC Ministry of Health guidelines.

“Ebola is real. Ebola is serious, but it can be stopped if we act fast and tell the truth. Protect yourself, protect your family, protect Alur Kingdom,” the King stated

DRC authorities have reported more than 282 confirmed cases of Ebola, including 42 deaths, and more than 1,000 suspected cases with over 220 suspected deaths. The outbreak, declared on 15 May 2026 by WHO and DRC authorities, involves the Bundibugyo strain with its epicentre in Ituri Province, which borders Uganda’s West Nile region.

As of 29 May 2026, Uganda had confirmed 9 cases (5 Congolese nationals and 4 Ugandans), with one death and one recovery. The index cases were imported from DRC. Uganda closed its border with DRC on 27 May 2026 as part of control measures.

The Alur Kingdom, with strong cross-border cultural and trade ties with majority its population on the DRC side, faces high risk.

Misinformation and disinformation have taken root in some Alur communities in DRC, according to reports.

However, Authorities  in Uganda’s  Zombo, Nebbi, and Pakwach districts have intensified border surveillance due to porous borders and regular cross-border trade at markets such as Paidha, Malaba, and Alangi in Zombo; Nyalip in Nebbi; and Panyimur in Pakwach.

On Monday, security personnel in Pakwach’s Panyimur Market fired teargas to disperse traders who violated standard operating procedures by mingling freely with colleagues from DRC.

Pakwach Deputy RDC Achille Twaib said such operations will continue.

In Zombo District, authorities have locked several popular night spots as part of heightened controls.

The King had earlier suspended all major functions and social gatherings, issuing guidelines in line with Ministry of Health directives.

The ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, described by the World Health Organization as a severe and often fatal form of the disease with no approved treatment or vaccine.

As of the latest reports, there have been 43 confirmed deaths, 42 in DRC and one in Uganda.

The Alur Kingdom’s Health Department is actively sensitizing communities on both sides.

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