Uganda has temporarily closed all border entry points with the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC with immediate effect, following the continued escalation of the Ebola outbreak in the neighboring country.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Diana Atwiine on Wednesday, who said the decision was reached by the National Task Force on Ebola Response chaired by the Vice President.
Dr. Atwiine said the move follows the increasing risk of Ebola spreading into Uganda due to persistent cross-border movements between the DRC and Uganda.
She noted that only authorized Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and essential security personnel will be allowed to cross the border under strict health screening and monitoring protocols.
According to Dr. Atwiine, the Immigration Authority has been directed to permit only authorized personnel involved in Ebola response, humanitarian work, cargo transportation, and security operations moving between Uganda and the DRC.
Dr. Atwiine further revealed that any person returning from the DRC into Uganda will be required to undergo mandatory self-isolation for 21 days under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and district surveillance teams.
She also clarified that schools in border districts will remain open but must strictly adhere to all Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures-SOPs to prevent the spread of Ebola.
School authorities have been directed to identify and closely monitor students who recently returned from the DRC by recording their temperatures daily for 21 days.
Additionally, districts along the Uganda–DRC border have been instructed to designate at least one health facility to isolate and monitor any learner who develops symptoms such as fever during the observation period, pending further medical assessment.
Dr. Atwiine also directed all Resident District Commissioners and Resident City Commissioners to ensure strict implementation and enforcement of all Ebola prevention and control measures issued by the Ministry of Health and the National Task Force.
