Key Considerations: Cross-Border Dynamics between Uganda and Rwanda in the Context of the Outbreak of Ebola, 2022

This brief summarises key considerations concerning cross-border dynamics between Uganda and Rwanda in the context of the 2022 outbreak of Ebola (Sudan Virus Disease, SVD) in Uganda. It is part of a series focusing on at-risk border areas between Uganda and four high priority neighbouring countries: Rwanda; Tanzania; Kenya; and South Sudan. The outbreak began in Mubende, Uganda on 19 September 2022, approximately 300 kilometres from the Uganda-Rwanda border. At the time of writing (November 2022) it has spread to nine Ugandan districts, including two in the Kampala metropolitan area. Kampala is a transport hub, with a population over 3.6 million. While the global risk from SVD remains low according to the World Health Organization, its presence in the Uganda capital has significantly heightened the risk to regional neighbours. Rwanda is categorised as Priority 1, with significant preparedness activities underway. As of November 2022, there had been no case of SVD imported from Uganda into Rwanda, although alerts have been triggered at border posts. This brief provides details about cross-border relations, the political and economic dynamics likely to influence these, and specific areas and actors most at risk. It is based on a rapid review of existing published and grey literature, news reports, previous ethnographic research in Rwanda and Uganda, and informal discussions with colleagues from Save the Children, UNICEF, UNECA, UNDP, IOM, TBI, and the World Bank. It was requested by the Collective Service, written by Hugh Lamarque (University of Edinburgh) and supported by Olivia Tulloch (Anthrologica. It was reviewed by colleagues from Save the Children, Anthrologica, the Institute of Development Studies and the Collective Service. This brief is the responsibility of SSHAP.