In a context of public health emergency, Uganda announced on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the suspension of all flights between its territory and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This decision is accompanied by the closure of borders for public passenger transport, a measure aimed at limiting the spread of the Ebola virus.

Ugandan health authorities took these measures following an increase in Ebola cases in the region. "Public health is our top priority. We must act quickly to protect our citizens," said an official from the Ugandan Ministry of Health. According to the latest data, several cases have been confirmed in the DRC, raising concerns about a possible spread to Uganda.

This situation is not new for Uganda, which has previously been affected by Ebola outbreaks. In June 2019, a first positive case was declared in Kasese, near the Congolese border. Since then, Ugandan authorities have implemented strict protocols to monitor and control cross-border movements.

Previous reports indicate that meetings have taken place between Ugandan and Congolese health officials to discuss collaboration strategies in the face of this health threat. In June 2019, following the emergence of a case in Uganda, these discussions focused on the importance of sharing information about potentially infected patients.

Despite these regional efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed reservations about the travel restrictions imposed between the two countries. In a recent statement, it recommended that these measures be applied only as a last resort to avoid hindering essential exchanges between populations.

In response to the new Ugandan measures, several airlines have already canceled their flights to Kampala. Travelers find themselves in a difficult situation as fears of being stranded increase. Many Ugandans living in the DRC are wondering how to return home without risking exposure to the virus.

The border closure could also have a significant economic impact on border communities that rely on daily trade exchanges. Local authorities are now faced with the challenge of maintaining security while ensuring the economic well-being of their citizens.