Uganda Closes DRC Border as Ebola Outbreak Worsens: Muhoozi Issues Stern Warning

KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda has ordered an immediate and complete closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak that has triggered a global health emergency.

According to a summary from the Ministry of Health shared on social media, the DRC is now grappling with over 900 suspected Ebola cases and 220 suspected deaths in its eastern provinces. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine currently exists.

Uganda has already confirmed seven cases linked to travel from the DRC, including one death.

In response, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, announced that security forces have been deployed to seal the entire border until further notice.

“The security forces are sealing our entire border with the DRC until further notice,” Muhoozi wrote on his official platform. “No movement of people between the two countries is permitted.”

He added a blunt warning to anyone considering defying the order: “Trying to breach this order will endanger your life.”

Strict Health Measures Enforced

The Ministry of Health has implemented additional measures beyond the border closure, including:

· Halting all general traffic between the two nations while allowing screened aid and emergency response teams to pass.
· Mandating 21-day self-isolation for any Ugandans or returnees entering from the DRC.
· Requiring daily Ebola screenings in schools located in border districts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the outbreak a global emergency on May 17, citing the strain’s rarity and the lack of a vaccine as major concerns.

Public Response

Gen. Muhoozi’s post, published 52 minutes before the news summary, has already generated thousands of reactions. His forceful language — particularly the warning that breaching the order “will endanger your life” — has drawn both support for its clarity and criticism from those concerned about humanitarian access.

The government has assured citizens that updates will be provided as the situation develops. For now, the border remains hermetically sealed, and security forces are under orders to enforce the closure without exception.