Uganda Closes Border With DR Congo Over Rising Ebola Cases

Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo following rising Ebola cases in the region and confirmed infections within Uganda. The decision, led by Vice President Jesca Alupo, aims to curb cross-border spread. Uganda has reported seven cases, including a death in Kampala, while suspected cases in DR Congo continue to rise sharply.

Ugandan authorities have ordered the immediate closure of the country’s border with Democratic Republic of the Congo as concerns grow over a rising Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring country and emerging cases within Uganda itself.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by a national Ebola task force led by Vice President Jesca Alupo, following emergency consultations on how to prevent further spread of the virus across the shared border.
Officials said the closure became necessary after an increase in the number of suspected and exposed cases linked to cross-border movement, especially involving individuals who had contact with infected patients before the outbreak was formally declared on May 15 in DR Congo.
Ugandan health authorities explained that some Congolese patients had already crossed into Uganda prior to the official outbreak declaration, creating challenges in tracking exposure and preventing transmission. This has particularly affected frontline health workers who treated or interacted with suspected Ebola patients.
Uganda has so far recorded seven confirmed Ebola cases. Among them is a 59-year-old man who became the country’s first recorded fatality in this outbreak after dying in Kampala on May 14, just before the outbreak was officially confirmed.
Health officials say that while Uganda is not currently experiencing a rapid spike in new infections, there is growing concern over the number of people who have been exposed indirectly through medical personnel who treated infected patients. Many of these exposures are now being traced and monitored.
Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, said the situation is being complicated by the nature of transmission within communities connected to health workers.
“They have families, and so the number has been increasing,” she said, referring to secondary exposure among relatives and close contacts of health workers.
Authorities have intensified contact tracing, quarantine measures, and surveillance activities, particularly in border districts and health facilities where suspected cases have been handled. Emergency response teams have also been deployed to monitor movement and identify anyone showing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, weakness, and unexplained bleeding.
Meanwhile, the situation in eastern DR Congo continues to deteriorate, with suspected Ebola cases nearing 1,000 and at least 220 suspected deaths reported. The growing caseload has raised alarm across the region, prompting neighbouring countries to strengthen border controls and preparedness measures.
Public health experts warn that porous borders and frequent cross-border trade between Uganda and DR Congo increase the risk of wider regional spread if containment measures are not strictly enforced. They have called for coordinated regional response efforts, improved screening at entry points, and rapid isolation of suspected cases.
Ugandan authorities say the border closure is a temporary emergency measure aimed at slowing transmission while health teams continue containment operations and monitor the situation closely.