On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Uganda Airlines announced the suspension of all flights to and from Kinshasa, DRC, citing the ongoing Ebola outbreak that has already claimed more than 170 lives.
The company said the decision takes effect immediately and was made to protect the health of passengers, staff, and the wider public.
The outbreak began earlier in May in Ituri Province, DRC, before spreading to Uganda via a traveler.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 750 suspected cases and 170+ deaths.
The current strain is the Bundibugyo virus, first identified in Uganda in 2007–2008, later reappearing in DRC in 2012.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus stressed that while the outbreak is serious, countries should avoid closing borders. Instead, the focus should be on coordinated prevention, health system support, and international cooperation.
Uganda Airlines’ suspension highlights the tension between public health safety and regional connectivity. While protecting passengers is paramount, the move also disrupts trade and travel between Uganda and DRC.