Lamwo District has suspended all market operations in Agoro Sub-county, including weekly and monthly markets, to curb the ongoing cholera outbreak. The decision, effective immediately, follows the confirmation of cholera cases in the area last week.
Williams Komakech, the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Cholera Taskforce, announced that the ban will remain in effect until the outbreak is controlled. Security forces have been deployed to enforce the closure of markets.
Authorities suspect the outbreak originated from South Sudanese nationals who attended a monthly market in Agoro Sub-county in late December 2024. To mitigate further spread, all major porous border points have been sealed, and surveillance has been intensified for individuals entering Lamwo. Health workers have been stationed at official border crossings to monitor and test visitors.
The number of confirmed cholera cases has risen to 42, including one death, according to Dr. Denis Omoya Ocula, the Lamwo District Health Officer. The affected individuals are receiving treatment at Agoro Health Center III.
In addition to the market ban, district authorities have prohibited the use of the Okura stream, a water source in Agoro Sub-county, to prevent further contamination. Dr. Ocula noted that authorities are working diligently to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread.
This marks the second cholera outbreak in Lamwo District in recent months. In December 2024, an outbreak was reported in the Palabek Refugee Settlement, Palabek Ogili Sub-county, with four confirmed cases among South Sudanese refugees.
Efforts to manage the current outbreak are ongoing, with increased community awareness, surveillance, and enforcement measures in place.