Uganda has announced the temporary closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the escalating Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring country.
The decision was announced by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Diana Atwine, who said the move was agreed upon during a National Task Force meeting chaired by Vice President Jessica Alupo.
According to Dr. Atwine, the closure follows increasing Ebola cases in the DRC and challenges associated with cross-border movements.
“The National Task Force that sat this morning and was chaired by the Vice President agreed to have Uganda temporarily close the border with the DRC with immediate effect,” Dr. Atwine said.
She said the closure will remain in force for four months as authorities intensify efforts to prevent further spread of Ebola into Uganda.
However, Dr. Atwine clarified that certain categories of movement will still be permitted under strict health measures.
“The only exceptions are authorised Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transporters, and security personnel. All these will operate under strict health screening and monitoring protocols across the border,” she explained.
She added that immigration authorities had been directed to allow only authorised entrants, including humanitarian and cargo operators, subject to mandatory screening procedures.
“All authorised entrants shall be subjected to strict health screening, and locator forms will be provided at border points and airports for travellers to fill in detailed information,” Dr. Atwine said.
Travellers entering Uganda from the DRC will also be required to undergo a mandatory 21-day isolation period as part of enhanced Ebola prevention measures.
Uganda has not recorded any new Ebola cases since May 25, although the country’s cumulative confirmed caseload remains at seven.
Health authorities say surveillance, contact tracing, and public sensitisation campaigns are ongoing, particularly in border districts and high-risk areas.
