Uganda Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of flights to and from Kinshasa following what it described as recent Ebola developments in the region.
In a public notice issued by the airline’s management, the carrier said the cancellations would take effect from May 23, 2026, and remain in place until further notice.
The airline said the decision was being taken “as a precautionary measure in the interest of the health, safety, and well-being of our passengers, crew, and the wider public.”
Uganda Airlines said passengers affected by the cancellations should contact the airline through its customer service channels for support.
“We regret the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our valued customers during this period,” the notice stated.
The airline added that it would continue to monitor the situation “closely in consultation with the relevant health and aviation authorities” and said further updates would be communicated when available.
On May 21, Uganda confirmed two imported cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), triggering heightened surveillance and emergency response measures across the country.
Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Diana Atwine, said one of the patients has died while the second patient is recovering after testing negative for Ebola on May 18 and May 20.
Atwine said authorities have already identified and placed 127 contacts under institutional quarantine as part of efforts to contain the disease.
She said the government had activated nationwide preparedness and response systems under the National Task Force, chaired by the Vice President.
“Government has intensified sensitisation campaigns, strengthened screening and treatment capacities at border points and temporarily suspended selected cross-border transport activities between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Atwine said.
The Health Ministry also announced enhanced border patrols, temporary suspension of weekly markets in border sub-counties and restrictions on large public gatherings in high-risk areas near the DRC border.
Atwine, however, assured the public that schools would reopen as scheduled, although institutions would be required to strictly follow Ministry of Health standard operating procedures.
She urged Ugandans to remain calm, maintain hygiene measures and immediately report suspected Ebola symptoms to the nearest health facility.The
World Health Organisation continues to warn about the growing outbreak in eastern DRC involving the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
WHO has described the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following a rapid rise in suspected infections and cross-border spread.
