Uganda’s Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that every land crossing with the Democratic Republic of Congo is now closed after health officials detected a sharp rise in suspected cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in eastern Congo.. The move, which affects busy checkpoints such as Mahagi‑Moyo and Busia, includes mandatory health screenings, a 21‑day quarantine for entrants and a limited trade corridor at Beni‑Gulu, pending World Health Organization (WHO) approval.

Mahagi‑Moyo and Busia Checkpoints Shut Down as Bundibugyo Cases Spike

All major border posts, including the heavily trafficked Mahagi‑Moyo and Busia checkpoints, were ordered shut after surveillance teams in Congo reported an uptick in patients showing symptoms of the Bundibugyo Ebola variant, a form known for higher fatality rates and scarce treatment options. According to the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the decision was a precautionary step to protect Ugandan citizens while Congolese authorities intensify their outbreak response.

Controlled Trade Corridor Established at Beni‑Gulu Crossing

To limit economic disruption, Uganda created a controlled corridor at the Beni‑Gulu crossing where goods will be inspected by joint Ugandan‑Congolese health teams. international aid agencies have pledged resources to keep essential supplies moving, and the corridor will remain the only legal route for commercial and humanitarian traffic until the WHO declares the situation under control.

Mandatory 21‑Day Quarantine and Health Screenings for All Arrivals

Travelers attempting to enter Uganda now face temperature checks, health questionnaires and, if flagged, a comulsory quarantine lasting at least twenty‑one days in designated facilities. the Ministry of Health emphasized that these measures are desiigned to prevent cross‑border transmission, especially in border districts where families and traders cross daily for markets, school and medical care.

WHO Rapid Response Team Deployed to Kinshasa

The World Health Organization has dispatched a rapid response team to Kinshasa to assist with contact tracing, laboratory testing and community education in the outbreak zone. As reported by the Ugandan health ministry, the WHO’s involvement is crucial for both nations to coordinate surveillance and diagnostics, and the border closure will stay in effect until the agency signals that the outbreak is contained.

Who Will Decide When the Border Reopens?

The timeline for lifting the closure remains uncertain;officials said it could extend for several weeks or months, depending on WHO assessments. uganda’s President has urged citizens to stay vigilant, practice good hygiene and report any suspected illness to local health centres, underscoring the high stakes of the public health threat.