Ebola threat: Uganda sets more restrictions to avoid spread

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With the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain (BUDV), currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Ministry of Health has issued more restrictions to deter the spread in Uganda.

They include: temporary suspension of all flights to and from the DRC to Uganda within 48 hours, suspension of all weekly markets in the Border Sub-counties of the high-risk districts and enhanced Border security patrols along the Porous borders to minimise cross-border movement.

The outbreak, initially reported in Ituri Province, has now affected North Kivu and South Kivu. According to the figures released Thursday by DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba, 626 suspected cases and 159 probable deaths have been recorded since the country declared its 17th outbreak on May 15.

Dr Diana Atwiine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, on  Thursday, May 21, stated that given Uganda's proximity to the epicentre and strong cross-border linkages such as including trade, movement for economic activity, and direct flights, the risk of further importations remains high.

Addressing the media in Kampala, she said that, apart from two cases " imported" from DRC, there was no case reported in Uganda.

Uganda has so far confirmed two imported cases involving Congolese nationals who arrived from the DRC and were exposed to the virus. One fatality has been recorded, and one patient remains under care.

She is recovering steadily and is currently out of danger. The patient was tested on Monday, May 18, 2026, and the results were negative for EVD.

The second repeat test was conducted on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and was still negative.

She is currently being managed for her existing comorbidities. A total of 127 contacts have been identified and are in institutional quarantine," Dr Atwiine revealed during the engagement at Uganda Media Centre, Kampala.

See full statement

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH, UPDATE ON THE EVD OUTBREAK AS OF MAY 21, 2026

The Ministry of Health wishes to update the public and stakeholders on the ongoing regional outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain (BUDV), currently affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has a case fatality rate of approximately 50% and currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Given Uganda's proximity to the epicentre and strong cross-border linkages, including trade, movement for economic activity, and direct flights, the risk of further importations remains high.

High-risk areas include districts along the western border, refugee-hosting areas, and Kampala Metropolitan Area. These include Kasese, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Bunyangabu, Kisoro, Kikuube, Kamwenge, Kyegegwa, Hoima, Buliisa, Wakiso, Kampala, Kiryandongo, Lamwo, Isingiro, Arua, Nebbi, Pakwach, Zombo, Moyo, Koboko, Maracha, Yumbe, Obongi, Madi-Okollo, and Kanungu.

In response, the Government of Uganda, through the National Task Force (NTF) chaired by H. E. Vice President of Uganda, has activated robust preparedness and response measures.

The NTF has resolved as follows:

• 1. Intensify mass risk awareness and sensitisation on Infection Prevention and Control and observation of the Mass Gathering SOPS issued by the MoH for the entire Country, using Radios, TVs, Social media, Cultural Institutions, Religious Institutions, Local Government Structures.
• 2. Enhance screening, testing, and treatment capacities along the DRC Borderline based on risk assessment appropriate.
• 3. Temporarynsuspension of all Cultural Celebrations, commemorations that attract big numbers of participants along the DRC-Uganda Border.
• Temporary suspension of Public Passenger Sevice on Ferries on the Semliki River, Cross-border bus transport and all Public Transport between DRC and Uganda for 4 weeks, except Goods and Food Transport.
• Enhance Death Reporting in all districts with more emphasis on the high-risk districts along the Uganda DRC border and the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
• Temporary suspension of all flights to and from the DRC to Uganda. This takes effect within 48 hours.
• Enhance Border security patrols along the Porous borders to minimise cross-border movement.
• Suspend all weekly markets in the Border Sub-counties of the high-risk districts for the next 4 weeks.
• Enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Non-Weekly markets in all Border districts along DRC, including schools, prisons, hotels, and places of worship.
• Facilitate only essential movement of population across Borders for people originating from the DRC, limiting it to gazetted and designated crossing points.
• Schools to open on time, and advised on strict observation of SOPS issued by the MOH and enforced by the School Administration. Additional guidance will be provided in due course. Schools to be supported by the health facilities closest to them.

The Ministry further emphasises that ultimate control of the outbreak depends on interrupting transmission in the DRC and affirms Uganda's commitment to supporting regional efforts, including strengthening diagnostic capacity, treatment infrastructure, and technical cooperation.

The public is urged to remain vigilant, adhere to all health guidance issued by Ministry of Health, and promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves.

Dr. Diana Atwine

PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF HEALTH