By Prisca Oroma

Security personnel at the border post have been blamed for allowing free movement at the post despite the lockdown following the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ebola is a deadly disease transmitted through contact with an infected person’s fluids or animals, contaminated objects, among others.

Florino Okumu, the Chief of Paminya, said that they find it difficult to implement certain directives since the security personnel at the border post are easily compromised, and people come and mix freely with people here.

“Our hands are sometimes tied, as we cannot chase away people who have been legally allowed into our area,” he said.

However, Harriet Thumitho, the Zombu District Health Educator, urged the chiefs to discourage the community from going to DR Congo, especially for burials, since the cases there are still high.

She said that the country is still under lockdown and movement between DR Congo and Uganda is not allowed, and anyone who comes must be observed for 21 days before they are allowed into the community.

“People should avoid treating symptoms of Ebola from home, because early detection increases chances of survival, and that is why we encourage quarantine for people coming from DR Congo,” she said.

Meanwhile, Job Mutegeka, the District Police Commander, Zombu, said that the challenge they face is many porous borders, yet security is constrained by manpower and they cannot be at the border all the time.

“You, the cultural leaders, can help us in reporting some of these people who enter the community illegally, because they are causing us problems,” he added.

He added that currently, border markets, discos, and traditional dances are banned, and people who are doing them are doing so illegally, and he urged the chiefs to help security in implementing the ban.

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