Uganda has reinstated traveler locator forms for all incoming travelers and barred people with a history of travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from transiting through the country following the detection of Bundibugyo virus disease in a traveler who tested positive in Nigeria.
The measures follow an ongoing investigation into a woman who travelled from Uganda to Nigeria and was confirmed to have the Ebola-causing virus on October 20, 2026.
In a public statement issued on Friday, October 23, the Ministry of Health said preliminary information indicated that the traveler had not exhibited symptoms when she departed Uganda. However, investigations are continuing to establish when the symptoms began and the circumstances surrounding her infection.
“The Ministry is working with its Nigerian counterparts to establish the traveler’s full travel history, movements and possible exposure,” the statement signed by Director General of Health Services Professor Charles Olaro reads.
The ministry said it had requested additional information from Nigerian authorities, including detailed travel records and genomic sequencing results, where available, to help investigators establish the circumstances of the infection.
The renewed measures include the reinstatement of traveller locator forms for all passengers, regardless of their country of origin, to facilitate follow-up and contact tracing where necessary.
The ministry has also reinforced infection prevention and control measures at all points of entry and exit, as well as at health facilities, while maintaining surveillance across the country.
Authorities have warned that people who breach public health requirements will face enforcement action under the Public Health Act. Those entering Uganda through unauthorized routes will be referred to the relevant authorities for appropriate action under the law.
The ministry has also urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspected unauthorized border crossings to facilitate screening and public health follow-up.
The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with Nigerian health authorities, with technical support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Regional outbreak
The case comes amid a regional outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease that began in the DRC in May 2026 and has since spread to other countries.
According to the WHO, Nigeria confirmed its imported case on October 20, after the woman developed symptoms on October 7, four days after arriving in the country. She sought treatment at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11 and was subsequently confirmed positive for the virus.
As of October 20, Nigerian health authorities had identified 44 contacts who were being monitored.
Kenya has also reported cases linked to an imported infection involving a traveller who had travelled from the DRC through Uganda. The WHO reported nine cases, including one death, in Kenya as of October 20.
Uganda previously reported an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease in May 2026, linked to infections originating in the DRC. The outbreak was declared over on August 26 after 20 confirmed cases and one probable case were recorded.
Despite the latest investigation involving a traveller who departed Uganda, the Ministry of Health has assured the public that Uganda remains Ebola-free.
Travelers, visitors and members of the public have been urged to remain calm and vigilant, practice proper hand hygiene and comply with screening and other public health measures at all points of entry.
The public can seek information or report alerts through the Ministry of Health toll-free hotline on 0800-100-066, by sending an alert SMS to 6767 or through U-Report on 8500.
By URN
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