Health 27 May 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Uganda Fortifies Borders Amidst Rising Ebola Cases in DRC
Uganda has tightened its border controls with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in response to an escalating Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC. New directives aim to prevent further spread into Uganda while allowing essential cross-border movements under strict health monitoring. Source: https://observer.ug/news/uganda-closes-border-with-drc-over-ebola
In a decisive move to curb the potential spread of Ebola, Uganda has officially closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision, finalized on May 27, 2026, by the National Task Force on Ebola Response, chaired by Vice President Designate Jessica Alupo, comes as a precautionary measure against the rising number of Ebola cases in the neighboring DRC.
The stringent measures allow only essential personnel, including authorized Ebola response teams, humanitarian aid workers, food and cargo transporters, and security forces, to cross. All permitted movements will undergo rigorous health screenings and continuous monitoring at official entry points.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwiine, confirmed that all individuals entering Uganda from the DRC must complete locator forms and will be subject to a 21-day self-isolation period. This period will be supervised by health officials and local surveillance teams to ensure early detection of any potential symptoms.
Despite the heightened alert, schools in border districts are permitted to remain open but must adhere to strict Ebola prevention Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). School administrators are tasked with identifying students returning from the DRC and monitoring their temperatures daily. Designated health facilities in these districts will be equipped to isolate and assess any student exhibiting Ebola-like symptoms.
Local administrative heads, including Resident District Commissioners and Resident City Commissioners, have been empowered to ensure the full implementation of these health guidelines. Furthermore, all media houses are mandated to broadcast daily Ebola sensitization programs, focusing on prevention and detection.
These comprehensive actions underscore the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing an Ebola spillover along the closely monitored Uganda-DRC border. The cumulative number of confirmed cases in the DRC is seven, including one fatality, with contact tracing and surveillance efforts intensified.