BACKGROUND
Uganda is currently experiencing an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak, with the index case of a health worker and first confirmed fatality recorded on January 29, 2025, in Kampala.
The outbreak poses a severe public health threat, particularly in ten high-risk districts—Kampala, Wakiso, Mbale (city and district), Jinja (city and district), Iganga, Mukono, and Luwero—where the index case lived, worked, and sought medical treatment across multiple facilities.
Given the movement of his family and contacts, the risk of widespread transmission remains high. An additional eight districts—Kasese, Buikwe, Mayuge, Namutumba, Kibuku, Budaka, Mpigi, and Mityana—have also been classified as high-risk areas due to population mobility and cross-district interactions.
Ebola is a highly contagious and fatal disease, spreading primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. The current outbreak threatens both public health and social stability, as unchecked transmission could lead to rising mortality, overwhelmed healthcare facilities, and severe socio-economic consequences.
If the situation worsens, potential government-imposed lockdowns could disrupt livelihoods, increase food insecurity, and exacerbate malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable communities.
Uganda's healthcare system, which heavily relies on donor funding—especially from organizations like USAID—faces significant challenges in managing a large-scale outbreak. Without immediate intervention, the country risks a prolonged crisis with devastating consequences for public health, economic stability, and community resilience.
Urgent funding and collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, WHO, and humanitarian organizations, are critical to containing the outbreak. Enhanced community engagement, epidemic preparedness, and resilience measures must be prioritized to break transmission chains, prevent further fatalities, and protect high-risk populations.
ABOUT THE PROJECTS:
In Collaboration with Uganda Red Cross Society-URCS , Oxfam in Uganda with funding from the Crisis Modifier (CM) under the Early Warning Early Action project is implementing a 3- month project to strengthen Ebola virus Disease Response in Mbale City.
These efforts will complement similar efforts where Oxfam in Uganda is directly implementing two other projects; a 3-month project in Mbale district (funded by Oxfam Australia) and a 4-month project in Kyaka II, Kyegegwa district (funded by Oxfam Hong Kong).
The 3 projects seek to enhance community engagement, epidemic preparedness, and resilience-building measures in Kyaka II refugee Settlement and Mbale district and Mbale City and are funded to a total of budget of $165,000 with the CM funding and Oxfam Australia amounting to $50,000 and $32,000 while Oxfam Hong Kong provides funds the response to the tune of $80,000
PROJECT’S AIM:
To reduce mortality and morbidity caused by Ebola outbreak in very high-risk areas of Kyaka II refugee settlement in Kyegegwa district as well as in Mbale city and Mbale district local government in Mt. Elgon sub-region.
WHO WE WILL WORK WITH
- Health workers and frontline responders and VHTS.
- Oxfam staff and partners (including Uganda Red Cross Society-URCS; and Caritas Tororo)
- Women and children.
- People with Disabilities and the elderly.
- EXPECTED RESULTS
- Improved coordination & leadership at all levels (municipalities, divisions, community, district & national) for Ebola prevention and response
- Strengthened adherence to infection, prevention and control measures to prevent any Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.
- Development, adaptation, integration, translation, and dissemination of Ebola key messages supported; and Community participation in the preparedness and response interventions to strengthen coping mechanisms & foster trust promoted.
- IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS
- Uganda Redcross Society (URCS) – ECHO CM
- Oxfam Direct implementation in Kyaka II and Mbale city and District.
- DURATION
- 3 months – ECHO CM and OAU
- 4 months - OHK
TOTAL BUDGET - $165,000
FUNDED BY - ECHO-CM
- Oxfam Hong Kong
- Oxfam Australia
TARGET REACH
172,423 People
GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE
- Eastern Uganda (Mbale district and Mbale City)
- Kyaka II (Kyegegwa District)