Uganda temporarily closes DRC border amid escalating Ebola outbreak

Uganda has temporarily closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following concerns over the continued spread of Ebola and rising risks linked to cross-border movement, the country’s National Task Force on Ebola Response announced on May 27, 2026.However, exceptions will be made for authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and essential security personnel, all of whom will be subject to strict health screening and monitoring protocols.

1. Strict screening and mandatory isolation measuresUganda’s Immigration Authority has been directed to allow entry only for authorised personnel and essential operations linked to humanitarian and security activities.

All approved entrants from the DRC will undergo health screening, documentation, completion of locator forms.In an X post, the Ministry of Health-Uganda, mentioned that authorities have also announced that anyone returning from the DRC into Uganda will be required to undergo mandatory 21-day self-isolation.2. Schools in border districts to remain openThe government said schools in border districts will remain open but must strictly follow Ebola prevention guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.

School authorities have been instructed to identify students recently arriving from the DRC and monitor their temperatures daily for 21 days.3. Media directed to air daily Ebola awareness programmesUgandan authorities further instructed Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) to ensure strict enforcement of all Ebola prevention and control measures.In addition, all media houses have been directed to dedicate at least 30 minutes of prime-time programming daily for public education.WHO chief calls for ceasefire in eastern CongoThe head of the World Health Organization on Wednesday urged an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.“We cannot build community trust or isolate the sick while bombs are falling. We urge all warring parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire to contain this outbreak,” he said in a post on X.Humanitarian access in eastern Congo remains severely restricted due to ongoing violence involving armed groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), CODECO militias and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.Ebola cases reported so farThe Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment, was declared an international health emergency by the WHO earlier this month.As per May 27, 2026, UN press release, DRC has reported nearly 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and more than 220 suspected deaths, according to health agencies and aid partners, although only one death has been laboratory confirmed so far.In neighbouring Uganda, authorities have confirmed seven linked cases, including infections among two healthcare workers and one confirmed death.