Ebola Outbreak: Uganda Imposes Emergency Health Restrictions
In response to the spread of the Ebola virus in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda announced a series of emergency health restrictions on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The announcement was made by Alan Kasujja, head of the government press center, and the measures took effect on Saturday, May 23.
Restrictions Imposed
The authorities have suspended, for a period of four weeks, the public transportation of passengers on ferries operating on the Semliki River, as well as bus and other public transportation links between Uganda and the DRC. However, the transportation of goods and food remains authorized. Other measures include the closure of weekly markets in high-risk border areas and the reinforcement of security patrols along the borders to limit uncontrolled movements.
Ebola Outbreak in DRC
According to the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the epidemic declared in the DRC on May 15 affects the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Uganda has recorded two imported cases involving Congolese nationals who were exposed to the virus: one death has been confirmed, and a patient is undergoing treatment under medical supervision. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the level of risk to public health related to the Ebola epidemic in the DRC from "high" to "very high".
International Restrictions
Uganda is not alone in reacting to the outbreak. The United States announced on May 18, 2026, that it would restrict entry to its territory for any foreigner who has traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days. American citizens and permanent residents returning from these countries are being redirected to Washington Dulles International Airport for enhanced health screening, including temperature checks, questionnaires, and monitoring for 21 days. The US Department of State has also issued a level 4 travel alert ("Do not travel") for the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, and a level 3 alert for Rwanda, recommending that travelers not approach within 10 kilometers of the border with the DRC.
