Uganda has temporarily shut its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in an attempt to stop the spread of Ebola, as fears mount over a fast-growing outbreak in the region.
The move was announced on Wednesday by Uganda’s Ministry of Health after neighboring DR Congo reported hundreds of suspected infections and deaths linked to the virus.
Officials in Kampala said the closure would take effect immediately, with only humanitarian workers, authorised health responders, cargo transporters and security personnel allowed to cross under strict screening measures.
“Uganda is temporarily closing the border with the DRC with immediate effect,” Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary at the health ministry, told reporters.
The outbreak, first identified in eastern Congo on 15 May, involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less common but still dangerous form of the virus. Uganda has so far confirmed seven cases connected to the outbreak.
Authorities Order Quarantine
Authorities have also ordered a mandatory 21-day quarantine for anyone arriving from Congo. Health surveillance teams have been deployed to border districts, while schools near crossing points have begun routine health checks for pupils.
The decision reflects growing concern across East Africa about the risk of cross-border transmission in one of the region’s busiest migration corridors.
According to official figures from DR Congo, more than 900 suspected cases and at least 220 suspected deaths have been recorded since the outbreak began. The World Health Organization has described the situation as an international public health emergency.
In eastern Congo, where communities regularly move between towns and border points for trade and family connections, containing the outbreak is expected to be difficult.
Images from the region have shown overstretched health workers transporting suspected patients on motorcycles and struggling to reach remote communities with limited medical facilities.
Uganda has experience dealing with Ebola outbreaks and is often praised by international health agencies for its rapid response systems. Still, public health experts warn that vigilance will be critical in the coming weeks.
The outbreak has also sparked concern in Kenya after reports emerged that the United States was considering sending Americans exposed to Ebola to Nairobi for monitoring and treatment, a proposal that has triggered public debate and calls for tighter safeguards.
Ugandan officials say the border closure is a precaution aimed at limiting movement while health teams work to contain the virus before it spreads further across the region.
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