Municipal Principal Medical Officer Calls for Heightened Ebola Vigilance During Rukungiri Municipal Council Swearing-In Ceremony
The Municipal Principal Medical Officer, Dr. Davis Ahabwe, has called upon leaders and the public to remain vigilant and strictly observe preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following growing concerns over outbreaks reported within the region.
Dr. Ahabwe made the remarks today during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Rukungiri Municipal Councilors held at Riverside Hotel, Rukungiri.
The ceremony brought together several dignitaries including Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament Gen. Henry Tumukunde, former Mayor Charles Makuru, incoming Mayor Matita Boaz Kansiime, the Town Clerk Mr. Isaiah Tumwesigye, Heads of Departments, technical staff, and other stakeholders.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by His Worship Gordon Muhimbise, Chief Magistrate of Ntungamo District and Acting Caretaker Chief Magistrate for Rukungiri District.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Davis Ahabwe provided a detailed health briefing on Ebola Virus Disease, emphasizing the need for public awareness and preparedness. He explained that Ebola is a severe viral illness caused by the Ebola virus and noted concerns arising from reported outbreaks in neighboring regions.
Dr. Ahabwe outlined the common signs and symptoms of the disease, including high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and bleeding from body openings, adding that transmission occurs through direct contact with infected persons or contaminated body fluids such as blood, saliva, sweat, urine, and stool.
The Municipal Principal Medical Officer stressed that proper hand hygiene remains one of the most effective measures in preventing the spread of Ebola, noting that hands are among the major channels for transmission of infectious diseases.
He urged leaders and members of the public to prioritize regular hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, avoidance of unnecessary physical contact such as handshakes and hugs, minimizing exposure to crowded places, and observing caution regarding travel to affected areas.
Dr. Ahabwe further encouraged immediate reporting of suspected cases to the nearest health facility and called for strict adherence to Ministry of Health guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in schools, institutions, workplaces, and communities.
He emphasized the importance of installing and maintaining handwashing facilities in public and crowded places as part of strengthening community protection against disease outbreaks.
Rukungiri Municipality continues to support national public health efforts through sensitization, prevention, and promotion of community health safety measures
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