More than 200 Congolese nationals remain stranded at the Mpondwe border in Kasese District following the temporary closure of Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of measures to contain the spread of Ebola virus disease.

The closure has left many travellers unable to return home, with some reporting that they have exhausted their resources on food and accommodation while awaiting further guidance from authorities.

Following the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, which was officially declared on May 15, 2026, Ugandan authorities intensified surveillance and containment measures at border points to prevent further transmission of the virus.

On May 27, 2026, the National Ebola Response Task Force, chaired by Vice President Jessica Alupo, resolved to temporarily suspend cross-border movement between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Announcing the decision, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, said the measure was necessary to reduce the risk of importing additional Ebola cases through official and unofficial crossing points.

She explained that only authorized Ebola response teams, humanitarian personnel, security officers, and essential cargo operators would be permitted to cross under strict health screening and monitoring protocols.

The enforcement of the directive has now left more than 200 Congolese nationals stranded at the Mpondwe Border, with many saying they have spent several days waiting for permission to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Dezile Kambale, a resident of Butembo in North Kivu Province, says the prolonged delay has left many travellers facing serious financial challenges after exhausting their money on accommodation, food, and other necessities.

Another stranded traveller, Lapala Ouzemen, says many people arrived at the border expecting normal travel operations, only to find that movement had been suspended.

Dekule Nzwandazi says the affected group includes traders from Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo who depend on cross-border trade for their livelihoods.

He appealed to authorities to reconsider the restrictions, noting that the Congolese side of the border remains operational.

Meanwhile, Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt. Joe Walusimbi met with the stranded travelers and listened to their concerns.

Walusimbi explained that the border closure was directed by higher authorities as part of national Ebola prevention efforts and assured the affected travelers that their concerns would be communicated to the relevant government agencies.

Authorities have maintained that no traveller, including those in transit, will be allowed to cross the border until further notice as health officials continue to monitor the Ebola situation.

For now, uncertainty continues to loom over hundreds of stranded travelers as they wait for a decision on when cross-border movement will resume.