Arua Suspends Public Entertainment Over Ebola Threat From DR Congo

Arua Resident City Commissioner, Retired Major Betty Otekat Akello, has suspended all public entertainments over the continued threat of Ebola from DR Congo.

The announcement, which temporarily bars all forms of public entertainment, was released on Eid Al Adha Day and is to take immediate effect.

The suspension on all forms of entertainment follows the suspension of all border markets with DR Congo, like Odramacaku, Lia in Arua City, and Ejupala, and Kampala markets in Arua district, which came into force early this week.

Currently, there are increasing fears of a possible Ebola virus disease outbreak in the West Nile due to the continuous unregulated inflow and outflow of persons from Uganda, DR Congo, and South Sudan within the West Nile region.

With Arua City being an international business hub, dozens of people are attracted to conduct businesses with little or no restrictions, checks, or screening done, especially at the porous border points.

In a letter dated 25th May, released on 27th May 2026 to the general public, the RCC, who is also the chairperson of the Ebola Virus Disease Taskforce in the City, said the decision was taken following resolutions of the Taskforce from a meeting held earlier.

“Following recommendations from the City Taskforce meeting held on 19th May 2026, immediate preventive measures have been instituted,” reads the letter in part.

According to the letter, among those suspended public entertainments include: Discos, night entertainment activities, music shows, concerts, and other social gatherings which attract large crowds.

Cultural celebrations, betting and gaming activities, and cross-order public transport activities were suspended.

In Arua City, the announcement had to be delayed to allow for celebrations of Eid Al Adha, during which musical concerts and football matches were organized for Muslims and the general public at Arua primary school grounds, which attracted hundreds of people on Wednesday.

According to Otekat, all bus terminals and transport operators must also comply with the SOPs from the Ministry of Health o prevention of the Ebola outbreak. However, in Arua City, crowds of people continue to transact business, travel to congregate for local government swearing-ins, and also interact freely.

Records from the World Health Organization indicate that over 100 people have already died of the Ebola Virus Disease, and there are fears that if no drastic steps are taken to control the movement and interaction of people, the spread of the deadly disease could be imminent in West Nile and other parts of Uganda.