Uganda has announced the immediate closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the escalating Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak.
Dr. Diana Atwiine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, confirmed the move as part of emergency containment measures. The closure affects passenger travel, flights, and public gatherings, while cargo and essential goods will continue to move.
Uganda has suspended all cross-border passenger transport, including buses and ferries across the River Semuliki, for four weeks.
All flights between Uganda and the DRC are halted within 48 hours of the announcement. Weekly markets in border districts and cultural events attracting large crowds have been temporarily banned. Movement of goods and food supplies will continue to avoid economic disruption.
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The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is driving the outbreak, with over 600 suspected cases and 139 probable deaths reported in the DRC since mid-May. Uganda has already recorded two imported cases, including one fatality in Kampala.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC have declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and a Continental Security Emergency.
