The Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo border in Kanungu District has been temporarily closed following an Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, in a precautionary move aimed at preventing cross-border transmission of the virus.
The closure affects the Ishasha and Kyeshero border points, which are the main official entry and exit routes between Kanungu District and DR Congo.
Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Ambrose Amanyire said the decision was reached during a district Ebola task force meeting held on Monday. Leaders agreed to suspend cross-border movement as a public health safety measure while authorities intensify efforts to prevent the spread of the disease into Uganda.
Amanyire said all movement of people through the affected border points has been halted until the situation improves.
He added that district authorities have launched extensive community sensitisation campaigns to educate residents about Ebola symptoms, transmission, and prevention.
In neighbouring Kisoro District, authorities are also closely monitoring the situation. Resident District Commissioner Hajji Badru Ssebyala said the district Ebola task force is expected to meet later this week to decide whether similar restrictions should be introduced at the Bunagana and Busanza–Kitagoma border points.
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels who control parts of North Kivu and South Kivu, confirmed on Tuesday that a woman who tested positive for Ebola is receiving treatment in Goma City.
By Our Reporter
19th May 2026
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