Uganda shuts DR Congo border as Ebola cases top 1,000

Uganda on Wednesday, closed its border with neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo for four weeks, in an effort to contain the spread of Ebola, as fears grow over a worsening outbreak centered in the eastern part of the country.

The closure took effect immediately on Wednesday, with only Ebola response teams, humanitarian workers, security personnel and cargo transport allowed to cross under strict health protocols, Ugandan health officials said.

"Uganda is temporarily closing the border with the DRC with immediate effect," Uganda's Health Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine said during a press briefing. "The only exceptions are for authorized Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and security under strict health screening and monitoring protocols."

Uganda has so far recorded seven Ebola infections and one death linked to the outbreak, which health authorities say originated in Congo's Ituri province. The virus involved is the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Congo has reported more than 1,000 suspected cases and over 220 suspected deaths. The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

Ugandan authorities last week suspended public transport services between the two countries, but Wednesday's decision marks the most significant escalation in containment measures so far.

Officials also announced that anyone authorized to enter Uganda from Congo will be required to undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine under the supervision of health and surveillance teams. Schools near the border will face increased health monitoring.

The move underscores growing regional concern over cross-border transmission in East Africa, where porous frontiers and heavy trade flows have historically complicated efforts to contain infectious disease outbreaks.

Ebola outbreaks are relatively frequent in Congo, where health systems are often strained by conflict and displacement. Uganda has also battled several outbreaks in recent years, including a major Ebola epidemic in 2022 that killed dozens of people before being brought under control.

Edited by CGTN Africa reporter Marion Gachuhi