Uganda has reinstated traveller locator forms for all incoming travellers and tightened border controls following an investigation into a traveller who tested positive for Bundibugyo virus disease in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on October 23, 2026, the Ministry of Health said the traveller did not exhibit symptoms when she departed Uganda, but investigations were ongoing to establish when the symptoms began and the circumstances surrounding her infection.
The ministry said it was working with Nigerian health authorities to establish the traveller’s full travel history, movements and possible exposure to the virus.
It has also requested additional information from Nigeria, including detailed travel records and genomic sequencing results, where available, to help complete the investigation.
“As a precaution, the Ministry is undertaking” additional public health measures, the statement, signed by Prof Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services, says.
Under the new measures, traveller locator forms have been reinstated for all travellers, 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.
In a further measure, travellers with a history of travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo will not be permitted to transit through Uganda.
The ministry warned that it would invoke applicable provisions of the Public Health Act against people who breach public health requirements. Those entering the country through unauthorised routes will be referred to the relevant authorities for action under the law.
Communities have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspected unauthorised border crossings to the relevant authorities to facilitate screening and public health follow-up.
Despite the additional precautions, the ministry assured the public that Uganda remains Ebola-free.
“Travellers, visitors and the general public are urged to remain calm and vigilant, practise proper hand hygiene, and comply with screening and other public health measures at all points of entry,” the statement said.
The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with Nigerian 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).
The public can report suspected cases or seek further information through the Ministry of Health hotline on 0800-100-066, by sending an alert SMS to 6767, or through U-Report on 8500.