Covid-19 Cases in Buliisa Pose No Crisis Risk, Says Kyobe


Covid-19 cases in Buliisa have raised questions about a possible resurgence, but health officials have assured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern. According to Dr Henry Kyobe, Uganda’s National Incident Commander for the Covid-19 response, the situation is under control.

Recently, 10 positive Covid-19 cases were confirmed in Buliisa District, which is home to several oil development camps. Despite the attention these reports attracted, Dr Kyobe explained that such cases are within the range of expected routine surveillance results.

He emphasized that this development is not unusual. In fact, he stated that Uganda regularly records positive cases as part of ongoing monitoring efforts. The Covid-19 cases in Buliisa, therefore, do not indicate an outbreak or crisis.

What makes Buliisa noteworthy, according to Dr Kyobe, is the congregate living environment in work camps. These settings can increase the risk of spreading respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19. Nevertheless, all reported infections have been mild so far.

Moreover, the Ministry of Health is tracking not just the number of cases, but also their severity. As of now, there has been no spike in hospital admissions or critical illness. Therefore, no additional public health restrictions are being considered at this time.

Dr Kyobe pointed out that Uganda is experiencing seasonal increases in respiratory diseases, a trend that includes mild Covid-19 infections. This seasonal pattern is common and expected during certain times of the year.

Should case numbers rise significantly or show signs of becoming more severe, health officials will alert the public. Transparency remains a key principle in Uganda’s pandemic management strategy.

Vaccination continues to play a role, although its availability remains limited in many areas. While Covid-19 vaccines are still being administered, there is currently no strong push for widespread booster shots.

This cautious approach stems from the country’s limited vaccine distribution capacity. As a result, the Ministry of Health is prioritizing high-risk groups, such as the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions. These populations are more likely to suffer complications from Covid-19 and therefore require closer monitoring.

Uganda’s experience during the initial outbreak in 2020 remains a powerful reminder. That wave overwhelmed hospitals, led to oxygen shortages, and contributed to thousands of avoidable deaths. According to the World Health Organization, Uganda had reported 171,888 Covid-19 cases and 3,632 deaths by the end of 2023.

The long-term effects of the pandemic also linger. Civil society and political leaders continue to highlight the impact of strict control measures. In particular, lockdowns disrupted education, reduced incomes, and caused psychological strain in many communities.

Even though Covid-19 cases in Buliisa are currently mild, health experts urge continued vigilance. Mask use in crowded spaces, improved hygiene, and early testing remain essential tools. Additionally, local health units in high-risk areas should receive the resources they need for prompt detection and response.

In conclusion, Uganda’s public health leadership is not alarmed by the current Covid-19 cases in Buliisa. Instead, they encourage calm, ongoing prevention efforts, and targeted support for vulnerable groups. With proper planning and communication, Uganda can manage future surges without returning to past crises.

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