Health 6 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Uganda Restricts DRC Mourners Due to Ebola Concerns Ahead of King Oyo's Burial
Uganda's Ministry of Health has barred mourners from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly from eastern regions, from attending the burial of the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC. This measure is in place despite Uganda having no active Ebola cases. Source: https://observer.ug/news/uganda-blocks-drc-mourners-from-king-oyo-burial
As the Tooro Kingdom prepares to lay its 34-year-old King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV to rest on September 12th at the Karambi Royal Tombs, Uganda has implemented travel restrictions for mourners coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Ministry of Health cited the persistent Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC as the primary reason for this decision. Officials anticipate a significant number of mourners, including many Tooro subjects residing in the affected areas of the DRC.
“The Uganda-DRC border remains closed, and travel remains restricted,” stated the Ministry of Health in an advisory. This move aims to prevent any potential importation of the virus into Uganda, which was recently declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization after completing the required 42-day surveillance period.
While Uganda has no current Ebola cases, the country remains vigilant following a past outbreak that involved an imported case from the DRC. The government has assured that Tooro subjects in the DRC and elsewhere will be able to follow the burial proceedings virtually through an officially provided online link.
Despite the restrictions, the Tooro Kingdom expects a global attendance, with expressions of interest from royal families and individuals from various countries. However, the immediate concern remains the health security of the nation in light of the regional epidemic.