By Sharon Kyomugisha
Canada has announced temporary border measures affecting travellers from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, citing the Ebola outbreak in DRC and the risk of regional spread.
The decision comes after two new Ebola cases were confirmed in Kampala on May 25. The confirmed cases are Ugandan health workers from a private health facility in Kampala. Both have been admitted to a designated treatment unit and are receiving care.
Health officials say all contacts linked to the confirmed cases are being listed for follow-up by response teams. Uganda’s current concern is largely around people who came into contact with the index case, while the bigger outbreak burden remains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Under the Canadian measures, immigration documents for residents of countries considered to have a high or very high Ebola risk will be suspended for 90 days starting May 27 at 23:59 EDT. The affected countries currently include Uganda, DRC and South Sudan.
This means travellers with already approved temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorisations or permanent resident visas will not be allowed to travel to Canada while the suspension is in force. Canada will also pause decisions on new applications from residents of the affected countries during the same period.
From May 30 to August 29, 2026, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act and foreign nationals who have been in the affected areas within the previous 21 days will be required to quarantine for 21 days if they do not have symptoms. Those with symptoms will be isolated in hospital for further assessment.
Canada says people already in the country are not affected by the measures and may remain for their authorised period of stay. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will still be allowed to return home, but will be screened at ports of entry.
The Canadian government says the risk to people in Canada remains low, adding that there has never been an imported Ebola case in Canada and there are currently no cases in North America.
Health authorities in Uganda have urged the public to report anyone with symptoms consistent with Ebola to the nearest health facility, saying early detection and treatment improve survival and help prevent further spread.
