KAMPALA, Uganda
Uganda has tightened border control measures with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as authorities intensify efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola into the country amid an ongoing outbreak across the border.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine said Ugandan authorities were forced to strengthen restrictions after encountering individuals suspected of seeking entry despite concerns linked to the outbreak.
“We saw Ebola patients trying to push through to come into our country,” Dr. Atwine said, explaining the rationale behind the government’s border measures.
Uganda shares an extensive and busy border with the DRC, with thousands of people crossing daily for trade, healthcare, family visits, and other activities. The porous nature of the border has historically posed challenges during disease outbreaks.
Health officials say stricter controls are aimed at reducing the risk of imported Ebola cases while allowing health teams to strengthen surveillance and preparedness efforts.
Uganda has previously experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks and has often heightened screening measures whenever neighboring countries report cases.
Authorities have implemented enhanced screening at border points and increased surveillance activities in districts bordering eastern DRC.
Health teams have also continued risk communication campaigns and preparedness activities, particularly in high-risk communities where cross-border movement is common.
Officials have not indicated that all cross-border movement has completely stopped, but rather that measures have been intensified to manage public health risks.
The DRC has experienced repeated Ebola outbreaks over the years, with outbreaks often raising concerns among neighboring countries due to regional mobility and interconnected communities.
Public health experts have repeatedly emphasized that early detection, border surveillance, community awareness, and rapid response mechanisms remain critical in preventing cross-border transmission.
Uganda’s health system has built considerable experience responding to Ebola outbreaks after previous episodes in districts including Mubende, Kasanda, Bundibugyo, and western border regions.
Dr. Atwine urged continued vigilance, stressing that protecting public health requires coordinated action between countries sharing borders.
Her remarks come amid heightened regional attention on outbreak preparedness and cross-border disease surveillance as East African countries monitor developments in neighboring regions.
Health authorities are expected to continue monitoring border points and expanding surveillance efforts as the situation evolves.
The Ministry of Health has consistently encouraged the public to report suspected symptoms early and follow guidance issued by health officials, particularly in communities with frequent cross-border interactions.
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