Uganda has introduced additional public health measures, including the reinstatement of traveller locator forms for all arrivals, following an investigation into a traveller who tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria....
Uganda has introduced additional public health measures, including the reinstatement of traveller locator forms for all arrivals, following an investigation into a traveller who tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.
The Ugandan Ministry of Health announced the measures in a public statement dated October 23, 2026, saying investigations were ongoing to establish the traveller’s movements, possible exposure and circumstances surrounding the infection.
According to the ministry, available information indicated that the traveller did not exhibit symptoms when departing Uganda.
However, authorities said further investigations were needed to determine when symptoms began and how the traveller became infected.
The ministry said it was working with Nigerian authorities to establish the traveller’s full travel history and movements, while requesting additional information, including detailed travel records and genomic sequencing results.
It also acknowledged 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).
Stronger infection prevention: Screening and infection prevention measures have been reinforced at points of entry and exit and in health facilities, while nationwide surveillance continues.
Transit restrictions: Travellers with a history of travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo will not be permitted to transit through Uganda.
Enforcement of public health laws: Authorities said provisions of the Public Health Act would be invoked where public health requirements were breached.
People entering the country through unauthorised routes would be referred to relevant authorities for action.
The ministry urged communities to report suspected unauthorised border crossings to the relevant authorities to support screening and public health follow-up.
It also reassured the public that Uganda remains Ebola-free, urging travellers, visitors and residents to remain calm, practise proper hand hygiene and comply with screening requirements at all points of entry.
The development comes as Nigerian health authorities continue monitoring contacts of the confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigeria’s Federal Government said genomic analysis showed that the virus identified in the country was genetically related to a virus identified in a case in Kenya.
However, further investigations are required to establish whether the cases are epidemiologically linked.