Kaheru Backs Ebola Restrictions Ahead of King Oyo’s Burial

What the report says

Uganda Human Rights Commissioner Crispin Kaheru has supported the Ministry of Health’s decision to restrict some mourners from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo from travelling to Karambi in Kabarole District for the burial of Tooro’s King Oyo. In comments to Nile Post, he said the move is meant to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission while large funeral gatherings take place near the border.

Kaheru argued that the right to life justifies precautionary health measures, especially because Ebola remains a concern in areas across Uganda’s border with the DRC. He said the authorities should not wait for a single infection to trigger a wider outbreak. At the same time, he emphasized that the restrictions should not be taken as hostility toward Congolese mourners or the broader Batooro community, which has family and cultural links on both sides of the border.

He also pointed to virtual participation as a possible alternative for those unable to travel, saying this could allow people to take part in the funeral rites while lowering health risks. More broadly, Kaheru framed public health and human rights as compatible, arguing that protecting people from a serious disease is itself a rights obligation. The comments come as Uganda prepares for a significant period of national mourning and a large burial attendance.