Markets, bars in Kikuube suspended over Ebola outbreak
KIKUUBE, May 28, 2026 — Authorities in Kikuube district have suspended the operation of local markets and bars in an effort to contain the spread of Ebola, which is currently causing concern in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC], and Uganda.
The restrictions were imposed after blood samples from a resident of Nsonga Landing Site in Buhuka Parish, Kyangwali Sub-county, tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The World Health Organisation has warned that the disease could spread further if stringent measures are not implemented by authorities in Uganda and the DRC.
According to authorities in the district, the patient, who is currently admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital, is a taxi driver who reportedly transported an Ebola patient from the DRC to Kibuli Hospital in Kampala, where the Congolese patient later died.
Kikuube District Chief Administrative Officer, Canon Edward Musingye, said the suspension of markets, bars and Parish Development Committee elections is aimed at preventing the virus from spreading into the district through cross-border movement from the DRC.
He noted that all weekly markets in sub-counties bordering the DRC, including Kabwoya and Kyangwali, had been closed to prevent overcrowding, which could accelerate the spread of the virus.
Musingye added that security personnel had been deployed to close all official border entry and exit points linking Kikuube District to the DRC.
“We have suspended commuter boat and taxi operations between the DRC and Kikuube borders. Only cargo transport is being allowed, with a limited number of turn boys handling deliveries. Weekly markets and bars have also been closed as part of efforts to contain the spread of this deadly Ebola outbreak,” he said.
He further explained that sub-counties located away from the DRC border would continue implementing Parish Development Model [PDM] activities in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures [SOPs]. He urged officials overseeing the programme to strictly follow the guidelines.
Meanwhile, Kikuube District Vice Chairperson Vicente Opio said security personnel had been deployed across border sub-counties to prevent unauthorised entry by people crossing through porous borders.
He urged residents and local leaders to remain vigilant and report any new arrivals in their villages to the authorities for screening.
Kikuube District Disease Surveillance Officer Geoffrey Barongo confirmed that the district had registered one Ebola case after a man from Nsonga Landing Site tested positive for the virus.
Barongo said the patient is the same taxi driver who transported the Congolese Ebola patient to Kibuli Hospital in Kampala, where the patient later died.
He added that 30 contacts linked to the deceased and the infected patient had been placed under isolation and were being monitored for 21 days. Of these, six contacts are in Kampala, while 24 are being monitored in isolation centres in Kikuube district.
The Ministry of Health on Monday confirmed two new Ebola cases, bringing the total number of infections to seven.
In Uganda, the first confirmed imported Ebola cases linked to the DRC outbreak were reported on May 15-16, 2026 in Kampala. Uganda’s previous Ebola outbreak was the Sudan strain outbreak of 2022–2023, which was declared over on January 10, 2023.
As of late May 2026, the DRC had reported hundreds of suspected cases and more than 200 suspected deaths. The DRC has experienced several Ebola outbreaks over the years, including outbreaks in 2020 and 2022.
According to experts, Ebola virus disease symptoms typically appear abruptly 2 to 21 days after exposure, with 8 to 10 days being most common. Illness progresses in phases, starting with flu-like “dry” symptoms and advancing to severe “wet” symptoms, including unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Phase 1: “Dry” Symptoms [Early Stage]
The illness typically begins suddenly with flu-like indicators:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Intense fatigue and weakness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sore throat and lack of appetite
Phase 2: “Wet” Symptoms [Progression]
As the disease worsens, symptoms become gastrointestinal and systemic:
- Watery diarrhea and vomiting
- Stomach [abdominal] pain
- Impaired kidney and liver function
- Rash [sometimes occurring on the torso]
Phase 3: Severe Complications [Late Stage]
In severe cases, patients may develop profound hemorrhagic symptoms, organ failure, and central nervous system issues:
- Unexplained internal and external bleeding, including blood in stool or urine
- Bleeding from the nose, gums, vagina, and needle puncture sites
- Neurological complications like confusion, irritability, and aggression
- Chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath
Seeking medical care
If you are located in or near an area with an active outbreak (such as the recent May 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Western Uganda and bordering regions) and begin exhibiting these symptoms, isolate yourself immediately and seek emergency medical assistance. You can find resources and reporting guidelines via the UNICEF Uganda Ebola Information portal or track official advisories on the CDC Ebola Disease Page.
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