KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has suspended all flights to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of intensified measures to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease following the confirmation of two imported cases.
Dr. Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Health, announced the government’s position Thursday at the Uganda Media Centre. She said the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment and carries a fatality rate of about 50 percent.
“Temporary suspension of all flights to and from the DRC to Uganda. This takes effect within 48 hours,” Atwine said.
According to the Ministry of Health, the two confirmed Ebola cases involved Congolese nationals who entered Uganda after exposure to the virus in the DRC. One fatality has since been recorded, while the second patient remains under care and is steadily recovering.
“The patient was tested on Monday, 18th May 2026, and the results were negative for EVD. The second repeat test was conducted on Wednesday, 20th May 2026 and was still negative,” Atwine said.
The ministry added that the patient is currently being treated for existing comorbidities, while 127 contacts linked to the confirmed cases have been identified and placed under institutional quarantine.
Atwine warned that Uganda remains at high risk of more imported Ebola cases due to strong cross-border trade, movement for economic activities, and direct transport connections with the DRC.
“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,” she noted.
High-risk areas identified by the ministry include Kasese, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kisoro, Kikuube, Hoima, Kampala, Wakiso, Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Kanungu, and other border and refugee-hosting districts.
The government has also suspended cross-border passenger transport and ferry services on the Semliki River, as well as weekly markets in border subcounties, for four weeks. Cargo and food transportation will continue.
Cultural celebrations and commemorations that attract large gatherings along the Uganda-DRC border have also been temporarily suspended.
Authorities further directed enhanced border patrols, strict enforcement of standard operating procedures in schools, hotels, markets, places of worship, and prisons, as well as intensified screening, testing, and surveillance along porous border points.
The Ministry of Health clarified that schools will open as scheduled but urged school administrations to strictly observe all Ebola prevention protocols.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant, adhere to all health guidance issued by the Ministry of Health, and promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility,” Atwine added.
She reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting regional efforts aimed at containing the outbreak in the DRC through strengthened diagnostics, treatment infrastructure, and technical cooperation.
