Key Considerations: Cross-Border Dynamics Between Uganda and DRC in the Context of the Bundibugyo Ebolavirus Outbreak

<jats:p>The current outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), which was first confirmed in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 15 May 2026, poses specific risks to neighbouring countries. Porous borders, histories of conflict and displacement, as well as strong social ties and trading across the border mean that transmission between countries is a risk. Indeed, it has already spread to Uganda. To date, Uganda has registered 20 cases, with 17 recoveries. The last patient was discharged on 16 July and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the country Ebola free on 26 August. However, the outbreak in DRC remains in a phase of ‘intense transmission’1 and, given cross-border mobility between the two countries, Uganda continues to be on alert for the possibility of the re-introduction of the disease. The aim of this brief is to synthesise existing social and behavioural science (SBS) evidence from the current and previous outbreaks on key socioeconomic and political dynamics in the Uganda-DRC borderlands. It focuses on evidence that is significant for designing effective, trustworthy, and contextually appropriate Ebola response and preparedness activities. We highlight the social impacts of the outbreak and its control measures; the contextual factors that might influence the implementation of different outbreak control strategies; and the opportunities for collaboration that strong cross-border ties in this region offer. An analysis of the social dynamics of borderland lives is intended to help design measures that are tailored to the realities on the ground and work with cross-border livelihoods, kinship, trade, public authority, and local expertise. The brief focuses on cross-border livelihoods, mobility, and health-seeking, with particular attention to the risk of re-importation and preparedness considerations on the Ugandan side of the border. Other recent briefs from the Ituri Collective and the Multi Hazard Research Network (MHRN)2–5, as well as ongoing SBS work in the affected Provinces of DRC, focus more directly on key considerations for DRC. We reviewed the available academic and grey literature, including outbreak bulletins from key agencies and results of ongoing rapid operational research. Luisa Enria led on the synthesis and writing, with substantial contextual inputs from Grace Akello and co-authors who provided in-depth revisions and additional information. We complemented this synthesis by sourcing analysis of the current situation from researchers based in Uganda’s borderland areas of Kasese and Pakwatch Districts (Bob Okello, Peter Kermundu and Moses Baluku). Godefroid Muzalia contributed an analysis report on the effects of DRC’s security dynamics on Ebola response measures in the country’s borderlands. The brief was then sent for review to five social scientists with expertise on Uganda, DRC, and cross-border livelihoods before being sent to FCDO and WHO reviewers. The brief is limited by its focus primarily on English literature, with some in French. It is also limited by the rapid nature of the review which meant it was not possible to conduct a wide consultation with country and topic experts or to conduct empirical research.</jats:p>