Kikuube Authorities Close DRC Border Points Over Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Congo

Authorities in Kikuube District have temporarily closed Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following an Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC.

The closure affects the Nsonga and Sebigoro border points on the shores of Lake Albert in Kyangwali and Kabwoya sub-counties, which serve as the main official entry and exit routes between Kikuube District and the DRC.

Kikuube Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godwine Angalia told media on Tuesday that the District Security Committee (DSC) and the District Ebola Taskforce resolved to suspend cross-border movement through the affected border points as a precautionary public health measure.

Angalia said all movement of people through the two entry points has been halted until the situation normalizes, while district authorities have launched intensive community sensitization campaigns on Ebola symptoms and prevention measures.

According to Angalia, traders and residents from Tchomia, Kasenyi, Gobu, and Mukambu in Bunia District, Ituri Province in eastern DRC frequently use the two border points to access Kikuube, Hoima, and Kampala for business transactions. He noted that despite the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, some traders and residents continued crossing into Kikuube through porous border points.

Angalia said the decision to temporarily close the Kikuube-DRC border was necessary to prevent the possible spread of Ebola into the district and Uganda at large. However, he clarified that cargo movement remains exempt from the restrictions.  

He added that surveillance has been intensified at border points, particularly at Nsonga, Buhuka, Sebigoro, and Kyehoro landing sites, where health teams are actively screening and monitoring travelers.

Angalia urged residents to remain vigilant, promptly report suspected Ebola cases, and strictly observe hygiene measures. He also said public sensitization campaigns on Ebola symptoms and prevention have been stepped up, with markets, schools, churches, and health facilities directed to install handwashing stations.

Kikuube LCV Vice Chairperson Vincent Alpha Opio said authorities have strengthened border surveillance, increased public awareness campaigns, and intensified community engagement across the district. He appealed to residents living along the Uganda-DRC border to strictly adhere to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health to prevent and control the spread of the disease.

The Ministry of Health has classified all districts along the Uganda-DRC border as high-risk areas due to porous borders and frequent cross-border movement between the two countries. Health officials have confirmed cases of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in eastern DRC. The Bundibugyo strain is one of the rarer Ebola virus types and currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals such as bats and non-human primates. It is not contagious until symptoms appear, and its incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.

Early symptoms include fever, weakness, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat, which may progress to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Case fatality rates range from 25 percent to more than 70 percent, depending on the strain and the quality of medical care available. While there is no universally approved cure, early supportive treatment significantly improves survival chances.