Ebola Threats Cause Halt in Public Transport Between Uganda and DRC: Flights to DRC Suspended Effective After 48hours Schools Urged to Enforce Standard Operating Procedures
Uganda is moving to tighten its defenses against Ebola, announcing a temporary suspension of cross-border transport with the Democratic Republic of Congo following reports of a fresh outbreak, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, told journalists today. She outlined preventive measures, including enhanced risk assessments, reinforced border patrols, and restrictions on cultural gatherings in high-risk districts, all aimed at safeguarding public health and averting the spread of the deadly virus.
Following reports of a fresh Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda has announced the temporary suspension of cross-border transport. Addressing a media conference at the Uganda Media Centre, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, confirmed that the directive will take effect within 48 hours. She emphasized that the measure is aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing the possible spread of the virus into Uganda.
She outlined the preventive measures instituted by the ministry, including rigorous risk assessments and strengthened border security patrols. In addition, cultural celebrations across high-risk cross-border districts have been suspended as part of efforts to curb any potential transmission of the virus within those communities and the country at large.
She further clarified that school activities will not be postponed or closed. However, administrators have been directed to strictly enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety of learners and staff.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant and to ensure strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the country. Dr. Atwine further noted that the single suspected case initially reported has tested negative, with Uganda recording no confirmed Ebola cases to date.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant, particularly in high‑risk districts such as Kasese, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Bunyangabo, Kabarole, Kikuube, Kisoro, Hoima, Buliisa, Wakiso, Kampala, Nebbi, and Pakwach, among others.
