Uganda’s National Task Force on Ebola has announced eleven urgent resolutions aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Uganda following growing regional health concerns.
The resolutions, issued on Thursday, May 21, 2026, focus on strengthening border surveillance, restricting public gatherings, and tightening transport and travel controls in high-risk areas.
Authorities said the measures are intended to reduce cross-border transmission and protect communities living along the Uganda-DRC border, which remains the country’s most vulnerable entry point for Ebola infections.
Among the key directives is a nationwide campaign to increase public awareness on Ebola prevention, infection control, and safety guidelines during mass gatherings.
The Task Force also ordered enhanced screening, testing, and treatment services at border points based on risk levels, especially in districts bordering the DRC.
In a major move to limit large public gatherings, all cultural events and celebrations attracting crowds along the Uganda-DRC border have been suspended with immediate effect.
The government has further suspended all public transport operations between Uganda and the DRC for four weeks. The suspension affects passenger ferries, buses, and other cross-border transport services, although transportation of goods will continue.
Officials also directed health teams to strengthen death reporting and surveillance systems, particularly in border districts and the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
In the aviation sector, all flights between Uganda and the DRC are set to be suspended within 48 hours from the time the resolutions were issued.
Security agencies have been instructed to intensify border patrols in high-risk areas to curb illegal crossings that could undermine Ebola containment efforts.
Additionally, all weekly markets in border sub-counties located in high-risk districts have been suspended for four weeks.
The Task Force also ordered strict enforcement of Ebola safety measures in non-weekly markets and public institutions, including schools, hotels, hospitals, prisons, and places of worship within border districts.
Under the new guidelines, only essential travel from the DRC will be permitted, and travelers must use official border entry points.
Despite the heightened restrictions, schools across Uganda will reopen as scheduled under strict Ministry of Health Ebola prevention guidelines, supported by nearby local health facilities.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, observe hygiene measures, and report suspected Ebola cases immediately to health officials.
