The Government of Uganda has announced sweeping new measures aimed at containing the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), including the temporary suspension of flights between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), cross-border public transport, cultural gatherings, and weekly markets in high-risk border districts.
The resolutions were announced by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, following a National Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease meeting convened by Vice President Jessica Alupo earlier today.
According to the Ministry of Health, the measures form part of intensified national efforts to prevent cross-border transmission as Ebola concerns continue to rise in the region.
Among the most significant directives is the temporary suspension of all flights between Uganda and the DRC, which government says will take effect within 48 hours. Authorities also suspended cross-border public passenger transport services for four weeks, including ferries operating on River Semliki, public buses, and other passenger transport linking the two countries.
However, government clarified that the restrictions will not affect transportation of food supplies and goods.
Officials also announced the temporary suspension of all cultural celebrations and commemorative events that attract large crowds within districts bordering the DRC. Weekly markets operating in border sub-counties within high-risk districts have equally been suspended for the next four weeks.
Government says the restrictions are intended to reduce mass gatherings and minimize opportunities for possible transmission.
At the same time, authorities directed schools, prisons, hotels, places of worship, and non-weekly markets in border districts to strictly enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Health.
Despite heightened Ebola concerns, government confirmed that schools will reopen on schedule, with strict adherence to health guidelines expected from school administrators. The Ministry of Health added that nearby health facilities will support schools, while additional guidance will be communicated in the coming days.
The National Task Force also resolved to intensify nationwide public sensitization campaigns on Ebola prevention and infection control through radio, television, social media, religious institutions, cultural institutions, and local government structures.
Health authorities further announced plans to strengthen screening, testing, and treatment capacity along the Uganda-DRC border based on ongoing risk assessments.
Government additionally ordered enhanced death reporting across the country, with particular emphasis on high-risk districts along the Uganda-DRC border and the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Security agencies have also been directed to strengthen patrols along porous border points to minimize illegal cross-border movement. Officials emphasized that only essential movement for people originating from the DRC will be permitted, and only through gazetted and designated entry points.
The Ministry of Health urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, strictly follow all health guidelines, and immediately report suspected Ebola symptoms to the nearest health facility.
The latest measures come as Uganda intensifies surveillance and containment efforts amid growing regional concern over Ebola transmission linked to outbreaks in eastern DRC.