Buganda Launches Joint Disease Surveillance Committee to Strengthen Outbreak Response

Bulange, Mengo, June 30, 2026 - Buganda Kingdom has launched a new disease surveillance committee in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve monitoring and response to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies across the Kingdom.

The committee, unveiled at Bulange following a briefing on Uganda’s Ebola situation, will be chaired by Buganda Minister for Information, Mobilisation and Kingdom Spokesperson Israel Kazibwe Kitooke. It brings together senior Kingdom officials tasked with strengthening early warning systems, coordination, and community-level reporting on health threats.

Speaking at the launch, Second Deputy Katikkiro Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa commended ongoing government efforts in managing outbreaks and urged local leaders to remain vigilant, including reporting activities such as bushmeat trade that may increase the risk of disease transmission. He emphasised the importance of community participation in safeguarding public health.

Ministry of Health officials reassured the public that Ebola remains under control, while cautioning against high-risk burial practices, particularly the washing of bodies of deceased persons, which can accelerate transmission. They said strengthened collaboration between government and cultural institutions will enhance surveillance and improve response capacity.

The new committee is expected to deepen coordination between health authorities and Kingdom structures, improve disease monitoring, and reinforce rapid response mechanisms for future public health emergencies.