Uganda Closes Border With DRC Over Ebola Outbreak

Uganda has temporarily closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to contain an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain. The Ministry of Health has implemented heightened regional surveillance and emergency health protocols.

During the restriction period, only humanitarian aid, Ebola response teams, security personnel, and essential cargo will be allowed to cross. All authorized entrants must undergo screening and complete locator forms for monitoring. Additionally, travelers arriving from the DRC are required to self-isolate for 21 days, adhering to Ebola surveillance guidelines to prevent further cross-border transmission.

The decision stems from growing concern over the virus's spread in eastern DRC, where factors like mobility, insecurity, and cross-border trade have hindered containment efforts. The outbreak was first confirmed in Ituri Province, a region with significant movement between the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following confirmed cross-border transmission.

This particular outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Ugandan health officials have confirmed multiple infections linked to travelers from the DRC, with cases rising. The WHO warns that the epidemic is spreading rapidly in parts of eastern DRC, reporting hundreds of suspected cases and over 170 deaths, amid limited medical resources and community mistrust. Uganda has intensified screening at border points and strengthened coordination with local health teams to detect and isolate suspected cases early.