Uganda minister urges patience as DRC border stays shut
Dr Charles Ayume said border closure is vital to protect Ugandans from Ebola, despite calls for reopening.
Uganda's Minister for Primary Health Care, Dr Charles Ayume, asked for public patience as the country maintains its border closure with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The border was shut on May 27, 2026, due to an escalating Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC. Security forces have reinforced the border, but some Congolese nationals continue to enter Uganda through unofficial routes, seeking work, trade, or services. On November 6, 10 Congolese nationals were arrested inside Echuya National Park for illegal entry.
Ayume stated on Thursday at Katuna Border that the Ministry of Health's priority is safeguarding Ugandans from public health threats, not inconveniencing travellers. He warned that reopening the border while Ebola remains active in the DRC could trigger a new outbreak in Uganda and strain its health system. The minister also called for greater investment in thermal imaging cameras at major border crossings to detect suspected cases.
Uganda was declared Ebola-free in July after an outbreak that began in May and resulted in 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with 15 linked to DRC imports. The DRC has reported over 10,600 confirmed cases and 5,100 deaths by November 3, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Uganda and Rwanda recently conducted joint cross-border health preparedness exercises to strengthen their response to public health emergencies.
Why it mattersThe border closure and health screening measures directly affect travellers and traders seeking to cross between Uganda and the DRC.