(Posted 23rd May 2026)
Uganda Airlines has, with immediate effect, halted all their flights to Kinshasa, the capital city of Congo DR, citing the Ebola outbreak as the main reason.
This measure follows hot on the heels of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to demand advance notice of travelers flying into Kenya from Congo DR and from Uganda and subjecting them to a detailed health check on arrival.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority steps up measures for passengers arriving from Congo DR and Uganda
It is not presently known if the same measures are being put into place at land borders between Kenya and Uganda.
The Uganda Airlines statement and action is somewhat in contrast with other statements made by official sources in Uganda, which are somewhat downplaying the Ebola outbreak in order to protect commercial interests. While the source of the outbreak is located in Eastern Congo are cases nevertheless also confirmed in Uganda, regardless of the origin of the patients.
A web search conducted has brought up the following results:
- Confirmed Cases in Uganda: There are confirmed cases and associated deaths in Uganda, including cases identified in the capital city, Kampala.
- Virus Strain: The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus. Because this is a rare strain, there are currently no FDA-approved vaccines or specific treatments available for it (unlike the Zaire strain).
- Travel and Border Status:The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are actively coordinating with local health authorities to contain the spread.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov) +4
- Travel Precautions: The CDC Travel Health Notice advises practicing usual precautions.
- Avoid Exposure: Avoid direct contact with people exhibiting symptoms (fever, muscle pain, rash) and avoid contact with blood or other body fluids.
- Contact With Wildlife: Avoid contact with bats, primates, or raw meat from these animals.
- Monitor Official Updates: Stay informed on the evolving situation and containment measures via the World Health Organization updates.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov) +1
Related articles on ATCNews on this topic in recent days were:
Uganda postpones Martyrs Day celebrations over Ebola concerns
