Uganda has announced the immediate closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo following a worsening outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in eastern Congo.
The decision was reached during a meeting of the National Task Force on Ebola Response chaired by Vice President-designate Jessica Alupo on 27 May 2026.
Speaking at a media briefing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Diana Atwine said only authorised Ebola response personnel, humanitarian workers, food and cargo transporters, and essential security staff would be permitted to cross the border.
She said all approved travellers would undergo strict health screening and monitoring procedures.
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According to Atwine, immigration authorities have been instructed to immediately enforce the restrictions and ensure that all authorised entrants complete locator forms and remain under continuous surveillance at official entry points.
Dr Atwine also said Uganda had not recorded any new confirmed Ebola cases since 25 May 2026, although the number of contacts linked to existing cases had increased, particularly among health workers exposed while caring for patients.
She said Uganda’s cumulative confirmed Ebola cases now stand at seven, including one death.
Authorities said surveillance, contact tracing and infection prevention measures had been intensified in affected areas.
The government has also introduced mandatory 21-day self-isolation for all people returning from the DRC into Uganda.
Under the directive, returnees will be monitored by Ministry of Health officials and district surveillance teams during the isolation period.
Despite heightened concern over the outbreak, schools in border districts will remain open.
However, the government has instructed schools to strictly enforce Ebola prevention guidelines and monitor learners who recently travelled from the DRC.
School administrators have been directed to record temperatures daily for 21 days and identify any pupils displaying Ebola-related symptoms.
Border districts have also been ordered to designate at least one health facility to isolate and observe suspected cases among learners pending medical assessment.
Resident District Commissioners and Resident City Commissioners have been tasked with enforcing all Ebola prevention measures issued by the Ministry of Health and the National Task Force.
In a further step aimed at increasing public awareness, the government directed media organisations to dedicate at least 30 minutes of prime-time broadcasting each day to Ebola prevention and sensitisation campaigns.
Officials said the measures are intended to prevent the outbreak from spreading into Uganda through the busy and porous border with the DRC.
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