“Monkey Delicacy”, high Ebola threat Along D.R. Congo-Uganda border

By John Dibaba

Despite the global alert on reducing risks of spreading Ebola from wildlife to human by WHO of reducing contacts with Wildlife (monkeys, Apes and forest antelopes), the consumption of monkeys is far from over among the Congolese living in Arua. This can be seen from the story of Zorizete Ngamina, a 60 year old Congolese national living in Awindiri, Arua city. To Ngamina, monkey Carcasses is a delicacy despite the threat of spreading Ebola. “We dry it and cook with cassava leaves commonly known as Pondu in Lingala”, she said. Ngamina is one among several other Congolese nationals who expose the lives of several others at risk. According to Center for disease Control CDC, the consumption of primates has been attributed to the frequent outbreak of Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Last Ebola case was registered in D.R Congo Mbandaka, Equateur province in June 2022. Much as by 4th of July 2022, the outbreak was declared to have ended, border districts in Uganda have continued to be on alert. Doctor Paul Onzubo, the district health officer of Maracha, says surveillance needs to be strengthened along the border. Onzubo also warns the community over contacts with wildlife and the consumption of raw bush meat.

With the continued fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese troops in Eastern D.R Congo which has seen more than 30 thousand Congolese refugees in Uganda, Uganda remains vulnerable to Ebola.