Your Daily Africa Briefing

Ebola Outbreak Intensifies in DR Congo and Uganda, Border Closed as Cases Mount

• A rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, continues to spread across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. As of May 29, 2026, the DRC has reported 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, with 134 confirmed cases and 18 confirmed deaths across both nations. Notably, 25% of the 17 confirmed deaths in the DRC have tragically occurred in children.

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• In response to the growing crisis, Uganda has temporarily closed its border with the DRC to intensify containment efforts and prevent further cross-border transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited the DRC to offer support and appealed to armed groups for a ceasefire, emphasizing the critical need for health workers to access affected populations amidst ongoing conflict.

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• Separately, a devastating fire at Utumishi Girls School in Gilgil, central Kenya, on May 28, 2026, resulted in the deaths of at least 16 students and injuries to 79 others. Authorities have since arrested eight girls on suspicion of arson in connection with the deadly blaze.

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