KAMPALA, Uganda – Ugandan authorities announced Wednesday the immediate closure of the country’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a move to curb the spread of the Ebola virus. The decision by a local Ebola task force comes as cases of a rare type of Ebola surge in the DRC and have also emerged within Uganda.
The border closure follows an increase in Ugandan health workers exposed to the virus through Congolese patients who had crossed into Uganda before the outbreak was officially declared on May 15. The measure, however, runs counter to guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), which has advised against border closures, stating they are often driven by fear and lack scientific basis, and can lead to increased movement through unmonitored informal crossings.
The WHO had previously declared the current outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. While the WHO acknowledges the high risk to neighboring countries due to population mobility and trade, it emphasizes that border closures are not scientifically supported.
Uganda has reported a total of seven confirmed Ebola cases, including the death of a 59-year-old man in Kampala on May 14. A significant portion of these cases are linked to the initial outbreak in the DRC. Reports indicate that Ugandan health workers have become infected after treating Congolese patients, and a Congolese woman who entered Uganda with symptoms also tested positive.
The epicenter of the outbreak is located in the Ituri province of the DRC, where the number of suspected cases is nearing 1,000, with at least 220 suspected deaths. Congo’s health ministry has confirmed 101 cases and is investigating over 3,000 potential contacts. Challenges in containing the outbreak in the DRC include ongoing conflict, a large displaced population, and inadequate infrastructure.
The border between Uganda and Congo spans several hundred kilometers and is traversed by numerous footpaths, making complete border control difficult. While official border crossings are being closed, there is a concern that increased activity at informal crossings could facilitate further spread of the virus.
Travel across the border will be permitted only under specific emergency circumstances, including for Ebola response teams, humanitarian aid, security operations, and essential cargo and food transport. Individuals entering Uganda under emergency provisions will be required to undergo a mandatory 21-day self-isolation period.
This is not the first time the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has affected the region. Previous outbreaks occurred in Uganda in 2007 and in the DRC in 2012, with significant mortality rates. However, there are currently no approved vaccines or specific therapeutics for this particular strain of the virus, necessitating a focus on supportive care and robust public health measures.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between public health imperatives and the economic and social realities of border regions. The decision to close the border underscores the deep-seated concerns about the rapid spread of the virus, despite international health recommendations.
The Ministry of Health in Uganda has been implementing enhanced surveillance measures and has classified counties into different risk tiers. The country has also postponed large gatherings, including an annual religious event that attracts pilgrims from the DRC and other neighboring countries, to mitigate transmission risks.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
