BACKGROUND: Uganda reported an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in 2022. As part of the outbreak response, government and partners promoted community engagement, which seeks to involve communities in the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions to raise awareness, build trust between communities and partners and create ownership of interventions. This study, therefore, explored barriers to community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak response in Uganda. METHODS: This qualitative study, conducted in five districts (Kampala, Kassanda, Kyegegwa, Mubende and Wakiso), involved 25 focus group discussions among community members and community health workers (CHWs). In addition, 32 key informant interviews were conducted with staff from the Uganda Ministry of Health, district health officials, local leaders, non-governmental organisation staff and other stakeholders. Data were analysed according to the thematic approach using ATLAS.ti (V.6). RESULTS: The main barriers to community engagement identified during the EVD outbreak response are presented under four main themes: (1) delayed consultations between partners and communities
(2) poor communication and misinformation
(3) limited support to human resources
and (4) institutional and coordination challenges. Specifically, these barriers included: limited consultation due to misbelief in community roles
delayed sociocultural discussions
stigma and delayed psychosocial interventions
misinformation, rumours and political influence
poor communication mechanisms
contradictory messages and lack of transparency
language barrier and inappropriate communication media
work overload for CHWs and other community volunteers
failure to prioritise protection of community workers
lack of compensation for CHWs and other community personnel
poor logistical management
inadequate coordination and partner operations
unfavourable institutional structures
and limited funding for emergencies. CONCLUSION: The barriers encountered in community engagement during the 2022-2023 EVD outbreak need to be addressed through strengthening guidelines and standard operating procedures, capacity building for partners and communities, as well as adequate financing to ensure Uganda is better prepared for future health emergencies.