Kisoro District has been home for many Congolese refugees since the re-mergence of the war between the Congo government and the M23 rebels since March.

Due to the increase in refugee population, without screening and observation of standard operating procedure at the boarder communities, there have been reported rising cases of Covid -19 in the area.

“Last week, we only had five Covid-19 positive cases, but by Thursday, the cases had increased to 21. The positive cases have been isolated at Nyakabande Refugee Transit Centre and are under close monitoring by health workers,” Ms. Dusabe -The District Assistant Health Officer said.

“Plans are, however, underway to start vaccinating all the Congolese refugees at Nyakabande,” she added.

Mr. Tukamuhebwa Robert, The Deputy Resident District Commissioner says that since March, the cumulative number of Covid-19 tests for new arrivals and positive cases among Congolese refugees stands at 50,192 and 700 respectively.

“The active Covid-19 surveillance team in Kisoro is doing its job to ensure that all the refugees that cross into Uganda are fully screened. We shall continue sensitising our people through radio programs on how to avoid contracting the disease,” Mr. Tukamuhebwa said.

Kisoro district has recorded  21 confirmed Covid-19 cases among refugees, from five in a week, authorities report.

Ms. Dusabe encourages the leaders in boarder communities to observe standard operating procedure and to encourage the refugees to relocate to Nyakabande for screening.

She went ahead to warn that if the situation in Kisoro isn’t handled with urgency, Kisoro soon may become an epicenter for re -emergence of the disease in Uganda.

Courtesy photo