Health 12 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
US Extends Travel Restrictions on Uganda Amidst Ebola Concerns
Despite Uganda declaring its Ebola outbreak contained, the United States has renewed travel restrictions, citing ongoing regional risks and cross-border transmission concerns from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). International health organizations like the WHO and Africa CDC have opposed such measures, calling them ineffective and discriminatory. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ebola-us-maintains-travel-restrictions-on-uganda-despite-who-africa-cdc-calls-5629434
The United States has extended its suspension on travelers from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan for another 30 days, according to a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While Uganda officially declared its domestic Ebola outbreak over on July 28, the US maintains that the persistent regional vulnerabilities, particularly the ongoing outbreak in eastern DRC, pose a continued public health risk.
The CDC highlighted the high risk of cross-border transmission from the DRC into Uganda, even with successful containment within Uganda. The agency pointed to the transit of an Ebola case through Kampala, Uganda, en route to Kenya in early October as an example of potential risks. This incident underscores concerns about overland travel and the strain on response efforts in the DRC, where contact tracing has fallen below the recommended threshold.
This decision comes despite calls from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to lift such travel bans. Officials from both organizations have argued that blanket travel restrictions are not scientifically proven to be effective in controlling outbreaks and can violate international health regulations. They have previously questioned the application of restrictions on African nations while not imposing similar measures on other regions that have reported cases, such as France.
Ugandan health officials have maintained that the country is safe and free of Ebola, emphasizing strong surveillance and preparedness measures. They are working to intensify cross-border surveillance and information sharing in light of regional developments and are encouraging the public to remain calm and follow health protocols.