Uganda has announced the temporary closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing the escalating Ebola outbreak and risks posed by cross-border movements.
The decision was agreed by the National Task Force on Ebola Response, chaired by the Vice President, following a meeting on 27 May 2026.
According to Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the move was necessary to reduce the risk of the virus spreading into Uganda.
Under the new measures, only authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transport, and essential security personnel will be permitted to cross.
All approved entrants must undergo strict health screening, complete locator forms, and remain under continuous monitoring at ports of entry in line with Ministry of Health protocols.
Anyone returning from the DRC will be required to self-isolate for 21 days under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and district surveillance teams.
READ ALSO: Kenya Prepared to Tackle Ebola, Future Threats – Health Ministry
Schools in border districts will remain open but must enforce all Ministry of Health standard operating procedures.
Atwine said authorities have been instructed to identify students who have recently returned from the DRC and monitor their temperature daily for 21 days.
At least one health facility in each border district will be designated to accommodate and monitor any pupil who develops symptoms such as fever during the observation period.
She further stated that Resident District Commissioners and Resident City Commissioners have been directed to ensure full implementation and enforcement of the Ebola prevention and control guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and the National Task Force.
Also, media outlets have been asked to dedicate at least 30 minutes of prime-time programming daily to public education on Ebola prevention, detection and reporting.
The Ministry of Health stressed that the measures would be kept under review as the situation in the DRC develops.
0 Comments