Uganda Shuts Congo Border Amid Surge in Rare Ebola Outbreak

Uganda has ordered the immediate closure of its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo following a surge in cases of a rare strain of Ebola in eastern Congo, raising fears of a wider regional health crisis.

Ugandan authorities announced the decision on Wednesday, saying the move was aimed at preventing cross-border transmission of the deadly virus as health officials struggle to contain the outbreak in Congo’s North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

According to reports from regional health agencies, the outbreak involves the Sudan strain of Ebola, a rare variant for which there is currently no fully approved vaccine. Health experts say the strain is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health said security and health personnel had been deployed to border points to enforce restrictions, screen travelers, and strengthen surveillance measures in nearby districts.

Officials also warned citizens against unnecessary travel to affected areas in Congo while urging the public to report suspected symptoms, including fever, vomiting, bleeding, and severe weakness.

The closure is expected to affect trade and movement between both countries, particularly in border communities that rely heavily on daily commercial activities.

The World Health Organization has expressed concern over the growing outbreak, warning that porous borders and population movement could increase the risk of regional spread if urgent containment measures are not enforced.

Congo has experienced several Ebola outbreaks in recent years, with health authorities often facing challenges linked to insecurity, displacement, and limited healthcare access in conflict-affected regions.