Rwanda and Uganda to Conduct Joint Health Emergency Response Drill

Rwanda and Uganda are set to conduct a joint health emergency response drill from November 10-12, 2026, at the Gatuna One Stop Border Post. The exercise aims to assess and strengthen the capacity of health authorities and border officials to respond to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks and epidemics. The drill will involve officials from both countries' health ministries and will focus on providing emergency medical care to people crossing the border.

The joint exercise is designed to promote collaboration and coordination between Rwanda and Uganda in responding to health crises. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and this drill is part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen their health systems and improve preparedness for health emergencies. According to the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the exercise will help identify areas for improvement and enhance the response to health emergencies at the border.

The drill will involve a simulation of a health emergency scenario, with participants from both countries working together to respond to a mock outbreak. The exercise will also involve the participation of local communities, who will be able to observe and provide feedback on the response efforts. The Ugandan Ministry of Health has stated that the drill will help build the capacity of health workers and border officials to respond to health emergencies.

The joint health emergency response drill is part of a broader effort by Rwanda and Uganda to strengthen their health systems and improve cooperation in the health sector. The two countries have signed several agreements aimed at promoting cooperation in health, including an agreement to collaborate on disease surveillance and outbreak response. The agreements were signed during the 12th meeting of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between Rwanda and Uganda, which took place in Kampala in April 2026.

The Gatuna One Stop Border Post is a critical point of entry and exit for people and goods between Rwanda and Uganda. The border post plays a vital role in facilitating trade and travel between the two countries, and the joint health emergency response drill will help ensure that health emergencies at the border are responded to quickly and effectively. The drill will also help to identify areas for improvement in the response to health emergencies.

The Ugandan Ministry of Health has expressed its gratitude to the Rwandan Ministry of Health and other partners for their support in organizing the joint health emergency response drill. The ministry has emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination in responding to health emergencies and has called for continued support from partners in strengthening the health systems of both countries.

The joint health emergency response drill between Rwanda and Uganda is a significant step towards strengthening the health systems of both countries and improving preparedness for health emergencies. The exercise will help build the capacity of health workers and border officials to respond to health emergencies and will promote collaboration and coordination between the two countries in the health sector.

Key points

• The joint health emergency response drill aims to enhance preparedness and response to health crises at the border between Rwanda and Uganda.