By: Joseph James Udoh | Columnist | WBN NEWS Africa | May 27, 2026

Ugandan authorities have ordered the immediate closure of the border with Congo as fears grow over the rapid spread of a rare strain of Ebola in eastern Congo and rising exposure cases inside Uganda.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by a local Ebola task force led by Vice-President after several Ugandan health workers were exposed to infected Congolese patients who crossed into the country before the outbreak was officially declared on May 15.

The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a form of the virus that health officials say was initially difficult to identify because tests were focused on the more common strain. Health authorities in Congo are now struggling to contain the spread as confirmed and suspected cases continue to rise.

According to Congo’s health ministry, 101 Ebola cases have been confirmed, while nearly 1,000 suspected cases and at least 220 suspected deaths are being investigated. More than 3,000 people are also being monitored as possible contacts linked to the outbreak.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health says the number of local infections remains relatively stable, but concern is growing over the increasing number of exposed health workers and their families.

“They have families, and so the number has been increasing,” said Dr. Diana Atwine, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, highlighting the human impact behind the statistics and the urgent need for protective measures.

Despite Uganda’s action, the warned against broad border closures and travel restrictions. “No country should close its borders or place any restrictions on travel and trade,” the WHO stated, arguing that such measures are often driven by fear rather than science.

The WHO also cautioned that shutting borders may push travelers toward informal crossing routes that are harder to monitor, potentially increasing the spread of disease.

Travel between Uganda and Congo will now only be allowed for emergency reasons, including Ebola response operations, cargo movement, and security matters.

As both nations work to contain the outbreak, health workers on the front lines continue risking their lives to protect communities. Their efforts reflect a shared determination across the region to stop the virus, strengthen public safety, and prevent further loss of life. Even amid uncertainty, cooperation between medical teams, governments, and international agencies offers hope that the outbreak can still be brought under control.

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