Ugandan authorities closed the Kasindi-Lubiriha border crossing with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), along with the adjoining cross-border market, amid an Ebola outbreak.
Footage filmed in Bwera on Thursday showed stranded traders, halted transport, and increased deployment of police and military personnel. Health workers carried out temperature checks and disinfection procedures at designated entry points.
Security forces blocked movement at the busy trade route, ordering Congolese nationals who had arrived for business to return to the DRC, while Ugandans returning from Congo were allowed to cross back under strict restrictions.
“The UPDF is going to intensify patrols along those porous points to make sure there is no crossing anywhere between Uganda and DRC,” said Lt Maate Magwara, Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Bukonzo County.
He added that the measures are temporary but necessary as authorities work to limit the spread of Ebola from affected areas in the DRC into Uganda.
Traders at the border said the closure has already disrupted daily commerce and raised concerns over perishable goods and income losses.
“Our fish will spoil,” said trader Virina Mulebanda. “We’ve been selling most of it to Congolese nationals, so with the border closed, our business is going to suffer.”
Driver Benard Sigei said both sides of the border had intensified screening procedures. “In the DRC they’re screening us before leaving, and in Uganda they’re screening us coming in,” he said.
Bwambale Stanley, chairperson of vendors at the Mpondwe Border Export Zone, warned that the closure could push traders toward unsafe informal routes. “The situation is worse. It’s not good,” he said.
The outbreak was declared by the DRC and Uganda on May 15, after laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO named it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17.
As of May 21, WHO said the DRC had reported 83 confirmed cases, including nine deaths, as well as 746 suspected cases and 176 suspected deaths. Later reporting put the toll at more than 900 suspected cases and around 220 suspected deaths.
Uganda has temporarily closed its border with the DRC, with exceptions for Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, cargo, food transport and security movements, all subject to strict screening.
Source: Viory
