The Ugandan Ministry of Health has issued a stern warning about the escalating Mpox outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu province, which shares a porous border with Uganda.

The rapid spread of the disease, coupled with the high volume of cross-border interactions between the two countries, has heightened concerns about an imminent outbreak within Uganda.

Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng highlighted the risk of Mpox importation into Uganda due to the disease’s incubation period of 7 to 14 days.

“There are 17 districts sharing a border with the DRC and numerous official and unauthorized crossing points, including those on Lake Albert and Lake George, where the potential for the virus to spread is large,” Aceng noted.

She acknowledged the critical need for international support in combating the Mpox threat, despite the government’s position on external interference in internal affairs.

“The government has sought assistance from the United States Embassy and the World Health Organization to procure Mpox vaccines for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers and front line personnel,’’ Aceng said.

Uganda has confirmed two Mpox cases to date; however, the government is taking proactive measures to prevent a wider outbreak.