Uganda issues 10 fresh Ebola containment measures following imported cases DR Congo

The Ugandan government has announced a raft of strict containment measures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following confirmation of two imported cases linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The resolutions were adopted during a National Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease meeting chaired by Vice President Jessica Alupo and later communicated by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Diana Atwine.

The government said the interventions are intended to strengthen surveillance, minimize mass exposure and tighten cross-border movement in high-risk areas.

Among the major directives announced is the temporary suspension of all flights between Uganda and the DRC, which will take effect within 48 hours.

Authorities also suspended public passenger ferry services on the Semliki River, cross-border bus transport and all public transport operations between the two countries for four weeks, although transportation of goods and food cargo will continue.

Government further suspended all cultural celebrations and commemorative events that attract large crowds in districts bordering the DRC.

Weekly markets in border sub-counties of high-risk districts have also been suspended for the next four weeks as part of efforts to reduce public gatherings and limit possible transmission.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health directed strict enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in non-weekly markets, schools, prisons, hotels and places of worship in border districts.

The resolutions also include intensified public sensitization campaigns across the country using radio, television, social media, cultural institutions, religious leaders and local government structures.

According to the Ministry, the campaigns will focus on infection prevention, control measures and observance of mass gathering SOPs issued by health authorities.

Uganda is additionally strengthening screening, testing and treatment capacities along the DRC border based on ongoing risk assessments.

Border security patrols are also being enhanced along porous entry points to minimize illegal cross-border movement.

Government further directed that only essential movement from the DRC into Uganda will be permitted, and only through gazetted and designated crossing points.

The National Task Force also resolved to strengthen death reporting mechanisms across the country, with particular focus on high-risk districts along the Uganda-DRC border and the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

Despite the heightened alert, schools will reopen as scheduled. However, school administrations have been instructed to strictly enforce Ebola prevention SOPs issued by the Ministry of Health, with nearby health facilities expected to support schools in surveillance and response activities.

The government’s latest measures follow confirmation of two imported Ebola cases involving Congolese nationals who entered Uganda from the DRC after exposure to the virus.

One patient died, while the second patient remains under medical care and has twice tested negative for Ebola.

Health officials have urged the public to remain vigilant, observe all preventive guidelines and immediately report suspected Ebola symptoms to the nearest health facility.