Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in one of its strongest disease-control measures in years, as a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak raises fears of wider regional transmission across East Africa.
The decision comes amid growing concern over an outbreak in eastern Congo that has already killed more than 220 people and is straining fragile health systems in the region.
Health authorities say the outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no approved vaccine, making containment significantly more difficult than previous epidemics.
Ugandan officials said the border closure is intended to limit cross-border movement and reduce the risk of importation of new cases, particularly in densely populated and economically active border communities.
The restrictions are expected to affect trade, transport and humanitarian operations along one of East Africa’s busiest corridors, raising concerns among businesses and aid agencies operating in the region.
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Public health experts warn that the outbreak is exposing long-standing weaknesses in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity and emergency response systems across parts of Central and East Africa.
They caution that insecurity in eastern Congo, combined with population displacement and limited access to health services, could accelerate transmission if containment efforts are not strengthened.
The World Health Organization has previously classified the outbreak as a high-risk public health emergency, citing the potential for regional spread if cross-border coordination fails.
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Uganda has experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks but officials say the current situation is particularly challenging due to the strain’s limited medical countermeasures and the scale of transmission in remote areas.
Humanitarian agencies are calling for increased funding, rapid deployment of surveillance teams and stronger coordination between neighbouring countries to prevent further spread.
Analysts say the border closure underscores the growing tension between public health priorities and regional economic integration, as countries attempt to balance disease control with cross-border trade dependence.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities in both Uganda and Congo continuing surveillance and contact tracing efforts as they attempt to contain the outbreak before it spreads further across the region.
