Uganda has temporarily closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a bid to contain the spread of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region, the country’s Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday, May 27.
The decision follows the confirmation of seven cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Uganda since the outbreak was first detected in the DRC on May 15.
According to the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Diana Atwine, the border closure takes immediate effect as part of urgent containment measures.
“Uganda is temporarily closing the border with the DRC with immediate effect,” Atwine said.
She explained that limited exemptions would be granted for essential movements, including Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, cargo transport, and security personnel, all of which will undergo strict health screening and monitoring.
“The only exceptions are for authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and security under strict health screening and monitoring protocols,” she added.
The ministry also announced a mandatory 21-day quarantine for travellers arriving from the DRC, alongside intensified surveillance in schools located in border communities.
The development comes as the DRC continues to report more than 900 suspected cases and over 220 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has already classified the situation as an international public health emergency, prompting increased regional coordination and response efforts.