Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health

By: Rose Kasigwa

The Government of Uganda has announced an immediate suspension of music concerts, public celebrations and several mass gatherings in Kampala and a number of high-risk districts as the country intensifies efforts to prevent a possible Ebola outbreak linked to neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The tough preventive measures were announced by the Ministry of Health following a high-level National Task Force meeting chaired by Vice President Jessica Alupo on may 27,2026 amid growing fears over the spread of Ebola in eastern DRC.

According to Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Uganda Ministry of Health, large public gatherings present a major risk for the transmission of Ebola because they involve overcrowding, close physical contact and movement of people from different regions.

Among the activities suspended are music concerts, entertainment shows, cultural festivals, political rallies, marathons, and other public recreational events.

The restrictions affect Kampala Metropolitan Area and surrounding districts including Wakiso, Mukono and Mpigi. Border and high-risk districts such as Zombo, Arua, Koboko, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kisoro, Kanungu, Hoima, Kikuube and Kiryandongo have also been placed under heightened surveillance.

In another major move aimed at strengthening Ebola prevention efforts, Uganda has also temporarily closed several border points with the Democratic Republic of Congo for three weeks. Authorities say the temporary closure is intended to reduce unnecessary cross-border movement as health teams intensify screening and surveillance operations.

Health authorities say the temporary suspension of gatherings and border restrictions are aimed at strengthening Uganda’s preparedness and minimizing the risk of cross-border Ebola transmission from DRC, where health officials continue to battle new infections.

Despite the restrictions, the Ministry of Health clarified that official meetings and organized institutional gatherings may continue, provided strict Ebola prevention measures are fully observed. These include mandatory hand washing, temperature screening, sanitizing, avoiding physical contact and immediate reporting of suspected Ebola symptoms.

Uganda has further intensified screening and surveillance at all official border entry points, particularly in districts neighboring DRC. Health teams remain on high alert as the country seeks to prevent any possible spread of the deadly virus.

According to recent updates from Uganda’s Ministry of Health and international health agencies, Uganda has so far recorded 7 confirmed Ebola cases and 1 confirmed death linked to the current outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease.

The government has urged the public to remain calm but highly vigilant, emphasizing that cooperation with health authorities is critical in protecting communities from Ebola.

Medical experts continue to advise the public to maintain proper hygiene, avoid unnecessary physical contact and seek immediate medical attention in case of symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea and unexplained bleeding.

The Ministry of Health says the restrictions will remain in force until the Ebola threat is fully contained.