Uganda Airlines has suspended all flights to and from Kinshasa effective May 23, 2026, citing evolving Ebola developments in the region.
In an operational advisory issued by the carrier, the airline said the route suspension will remain in effect until further notice as part of precautionary health and safety protocols aimed at protecting passengers, crew, and the broader public.
The airline advised affected travellers to contact Uganda Airlines customer support channels for rebooking assistance and further guidance.
Uganda Airlines expressed regret over the disruption, saying it appreciates customers’ patience and cooperation as the situation continues to evolve. The carrier added that it is closely monitoring developments in coordination with health and aviation authorities and will issue additional updates when available.
The suspension follows Uganda’s confirmation on May 21 of two imported cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The development has prompted heightened surveillance and emergency response measures across the country.
According to Uganda’s Ministry of Health, one patient has died while another is recovering after returning negative Ebola tests on May 18 and May 20. Authorities have also identified 127 contacts, all of whom have been placed under institutional quarantine.
The government has since activated nationwide response systems under the National Task Force chaired by the Vice President, while border screening, treatment capacity, and disease surveillance measures have been intensified. Selected cross-border transport operations between Uganda and the DRC have also been temporarily suspended.
Additional containment measures include enhanced border patrols, suspension of weekly markets in border sub-counties, and restrictions on large public gatherings in high-risk areas near the DRC border.
Health officials, however, confirmed that schools will reopen as scheduled under strict Ministry of Health safety protocols, while urging the public to remain vigilant, observe hygiene measures, and promptly report suspected Ebola symptoms.
The World Health Organisation has continued to raise concern over the growing outbreak in eastern DRC involving the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. WHO has classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following rising suspected infections and cross-border transmission concerns.
