Uganda Closes DRC Border, Orders Self-Quarantine as Ebola Fears Mount
KAMPALA, Uganda – May 27, 2026 – In response to the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and rising concerns over cross-border transmission, Uganda’s National Task Force on Ebola Response, chaired by the Vice President, has announced a series of emergency resolutions, effective immediately.
The most significant measure is the temporary closure of the Uganda-DRC border. The government will permit only authorized Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transporters, and essential security personnel to cross. All exempted entrants will be subject to strict health screening, locator forms, documentation, and continuous monitoring by the Ministry of Health.
In a parallel directive, any Ugandan or resident returning from the DRC must undergo mandatory 21-day self-isolation under the supervision of district surveillance teams.
Schools Remain Open, But With Strict Measures
Schools in border districts will remain open but must strictly observe all Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). School authorities have been ordered to identify students who have recently returned from the DRC and ensure their temperature is monitored and recorded daily for three weeks. Each border district must also designate at least one health facility to monitor any learner who develops symptoms like fever.
All Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) have been instructed to enforce all Ebola prevention guidelines. Meanwhile, media houses are required to dedicate at least 30 minutes of prime-time daily to public education on Ebola prevention, detection, and reporting.
Current Ebola Status in Uganda
Providing an update on the national situation, Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine confirmed that Uganda has not recorded any new confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) since Monday, May 25, 2026.
However, she noted that the total number of contacts to confirmed cases has increased, with most of these contacts being health workers. The cumulative case count stands at seven (7) with one death.
“#MOHatWork | #FightEbolaUG26,” the Ministry posted on social media, underscoring its ongoing response efforts.
Authorities continue to urge calm while emphasizing strict adherence to all preventive guidelines.
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