As the World Health Organisation raises its risk assessment for the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo to the highest level, neighbouring countries Uganda and Rwanda have imposed travel restrictions to try and prevent the deadly virus spreading.
Issued on: 23/05/2026 - 13:05
2 min Reading time
More than 80 Ebola cases have been confirmed in DRC so far, with hundreds more suspected. As the WHO warns of a high risk within the region, Uganda announced three new cases of Ebola on Saturday – bringing its total to five, one of them fatal. With the first two cases in people who have travelled from DRC, Uganda announced on Thursday that it would temporarily halt flights to and from the country within 48 hours. Direct flights previously ran between the Ugandan city of Entebbe and Bunia in eastern DRC, at the heart of the latest outbreak. Uganda has also suspended all public transport, including ferries and cross-border buses, has for four weeks, although cargo and food transport will be allowed to continue. Markets and other large gatherings have been put on hold in border zones where people frequently go between the two countries. Uganda shares a border with DRC's eastern Ituri province, where the outbreak is concentrated. "Given Uganda's proximity to the epicentre and strong cross-border linkages, the risk of further importation remains high," a health ministry statement said. United States to fund Ebola clinics as aid cuts blamed for spread of virus
