M23 control, Ebola outbreak complicate Kisoro-DRC border, Baryomunsi tells Parliament

Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has told Parliament that security instability and public health concerns along the Kisoro-DRC border have been worsened by the presence of the M23 armed group on the Congolese side and an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Baryomunsi made the remarks while responding to a matter of national importance raised by Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera, who sought clarification on the situation affecting communities living along the Uganda-DRC border.

The Minister said Uganda is facing a complex challenge because areas in eastern DRC bordering Kisoro are under the control of M23, making coordination and border management more difficult.

“The major challenge is that the other side of DRC is under the M23. They are the ones in governance, and that creates its own challenge,” Baryomunsi told Parliament.

He, however, clarified that the armed group’s conflict is not directed against Uganda.

“M23 is not fighting Uganda. I think it is fighting with the Government of DRC,” he said.

The comments come amid continued instability in eastern DRC, where armed conflict has affected movement, trade, and relations among communities living near the border,  Ebola outbreak increases pressure

Besides the security concerns, Baryomunsi said Uganda has intensified health precautions following an Ebola outbreak in the DRC.

He explained that some border crossing points have been closed or restricted as part of efforts to prevent the importation of the virus into Uganda.

The Minister said the measures are temporary and will be reviewed once the Ebola situation in the DRC improves.

However, restrictions on movement have affected communities that rely on cross-border activities, including trade, family interactions, and access to essential services.

Uganda has continued strengthening disease surveillance and screening measures at border points as authorities work to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission, Regional efforts addressing M23 concerns

Baryomunsi said security issues linked to the M23 presence are being handled through regional and diplomatic engagements involving governments in the region.

He separated the security challenge from Uganda’s public health response, noting that each requires different interventions.

While security concerns are being addressed through regional mechanisms, health authorities are focusing on surveillance, prevention, and controlling the spread of Ebola.

The Kisoro border area remains a sensitive zone where security, health, and economic interests intersect.

For border communities, authorities face the challenge of maintaining safe movement and trade while protecting the country from security threats and infectious diseases.

Baryomunsi assured Parliament that the government continues to monitor developments on both fronts, adding that health-related restrictions could be eased once the Ebola outbreak is contained.

The situation highlights the difficulties Uganda faces in managing a border region affected by both armed conflict and a public health emergency.

As regional leaders continue efforts to address instability in eastern DRC and health officials work to contain Ebola, communities in Kisoro and surrounding areas await coordinated solutions that will safeguard security while allowing essential movement and economic activities to continue.