Uganda has announced sweeping restrictions on travel and border movement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as authorities race to prevent the spread of a worsening Ebola outbreak that has already claimed more than 160 lives.
The decision was announced on May 21, 2026, by Uganda’s national Ebola response team led by Vice President Jessica Alupo. The measures are expected to take effect on May 23.
Under the new directives, all passenger flights from the DRC to Kampala will be suspended for at least four weeks. Passenger vehicles crossing through land borders between the two countries will also be barred from operating.
Cargo trucks, however, will still be allowed to move between Uganda and the DRC, although health screening measures for drivers and crew members have been significantly intensified to stop the virus from entering Uganda.
The move comes shortly after Rwanda also closed its border with the DRC over fears linked to the Ebola outbreak, raising regional concern about cross-border transmission in East Africa.
According to the Congolese Ministry of Health, at least 671 suspected Ebola cases had been recorded in the country by May 21, 2026. Out of those cases, 160 people had already died.
Laboratory findings from the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) confirmed 64 Ebola infections, including 60 cases detected in Ituri Province and North Kivu. Six confirmed patients have died.
Ugandan health officials also confirmed that two Ebola patients recently entered the country from the DRC. One later died, while the second patient reportedly recovered after receiving treatment and no longer shows symptoms of the disease.
Authorities further disclosed that 127 people who came into contact with the infected individuals were placed under quarantine for monitoring.
Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, stated that as of May 21, no active Ebola patient remained in the country because the last admitted patient was close to being discharged from hospital care.
President Yoweri Museveni recently said Ebola is “easier to control” than Covid-19 because it spreads mainly through direct physical contact. He stressed the importance of strict border screening and rapid monitoring of suspected cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has already classified the Ebola outbreak affecting both the DRC and Uganda as a major international public health concern following the rapid increase in infections and deaths.
Analysts warn that Uganda’s decision to suspend border movement and flights could heavily affect trade and regional mobility, but many believe the measures are necessary to protect public health and prevent a wider outbreak across East Africa.
