Uganda has introduced a series of urgent public health measures following the confirmation of imported Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases linked to travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Diana Atwine, who communicated the resolutions of a National Task Force meeting convened under the leadership of Vice President Jessica Alupo.

According to the Ministry of Health, the country has so far recorded two imported Ebola cases involving Congolese nationals who entered Uganda from the DRC. One of the patients has died, while the second remains under medical care and is reportedly recovering.

Health officials clarified that the recovering patient had undergone repeat testing on May 18 and May 20, 2026, both of which returned negative results for Ebola Virus Disease. The patient is currently being managed for other underlying health conditions.

Strict containment and border control measures

In response to the situation, the National Task Force approved several containment measures aimed at reducing the risk of further transmission, particularly along the Uganda–DRC border.

These include intensified mass risk awareness and sensitization 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, and Local Government Structures, enhanced screening and testing capacity along the DRC borderline based on risk assessment and enhanced Death Reporting in all districts with more emphasis on the High-risk districts along the Uganda DRC border and the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

The government will also temporary suspend Public Passenger Service on Ferries on the Semliki River, cross-border bus services, and all public passenger transport between Uganda and the DRC for four weeks. Only goods and food transport will be allowed.

Additionally, all flights between Uganda and the DRC will be suspended within 48 hours of the announcement.

Suspension of gatherings and market activities

To reduce large-scale transmission risks, cultural celebrations and public gatherings along the DRC-Uganda Border will be temporarily suspended. Weekly markets in border sub-counties of the high-risk districts will also be suspended for the next four weeks.

Authorities have further instructed enforcement of strict health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in public places including schools, prisons, hotels, religious institutions, and non-weekly markets across border districts.

Border security patrols have also been intensified along the Porous borders to minimise cross border movement.

Government will facilitate only essential movement of population across Borders for people originating from the DRC limiting it to gazetted and designated crossing points.

Schools to remain open

Despite the heightened public health alert, the Ministry of Health confirmed that school reopening will proceed as scheduled.

Headteachers and school administrators have been instructed to strictly implement Ebola prevention SOPs, with additional support to be provided by nearby health facilities.

A separate communication from the Ministry emphasized that “school opening will NOT be postponed,” reinforcing the government’s position on maintaining the academic calendar while ensuring safety protocols are followed.

Public urged to remain vigilant

The Ministry of Health, through its official communications, urged the public to remain alert, adhere to all infection prevention guidelines, and promptly report any suspected Ebola cases to the nearest health facility.

The government continues to monitor the situation closely as it works to contain any potential spread of the virus, particularly in high-risk border regions and urban centers such as the Kampala metropolitan area.