Health 20 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kigezi Sub-Region Launches Emergency Hub for Swift Disease Outbreak Response
A new Emergency Operations Centre at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda's Kigezi sub-region has been launched to boost surveillance, coordination, and rapid response to public health emergencies. The facility addresses past delays in outbreak management, especially in border areas prone to cross-border disease transmission. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kigezi-gets-hub-to-manage-disease-outbreaks-5397332
A state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been launched at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in Kabale district, marking a major step forward for the Kigezi sub-region’s public health preparedness.
The facility, built with support from the government and partners, was officially opened on Thursday, attended by health officials, local leaders, Uganda Wildlife Authority representatives, and staff from the Joint Clinical Research Centre.
Dr Allan Muruta, Commissioner for Integrated Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Public Health Emergencies at the Ministry of Health, highlighted how the centre eliminates the need to rely on teams from Kampala during outbreaks, enabling quicker action.
“For years, response efforts were slowed by travel from the capital. Now, we can detect, respond, and contain threats locally,” he stated, noting Uganda’s nationwide rollout of such centres amid risks from cross-border movements.
Dr Namutebi Marion, Acting Senior Executive Director at the hospital, called it a vital hub for coordinating surveillance, emergencies, and communications. Kigezi’s proximity to Rwanda and DR Congo, coupled with high population mobility—including visits to relatives abroad—heightens outbreak risks.
The region has faced Marburg virus in 2013, Rift Valley fever in 2016, and COVID-19, making the EOC essential for protecting communities.
Dr Abdon Birungi, Chairperson of Kigezi District Health Officers, signed documents at the launch event.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)