A scientist conducts tests in Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Lab at Uganda Virus Research Institute on May 20, 2026. Photo | Tonny Abet
What you need to know:
- To prevent potential transmission and strengthen national health security, the Ministry of Health has rolled out several precautionary control measures at all points of entry and exit across the country.
The Ministry of Health has instituted heightened public health precautionary measures, including reinstating traveller locator forms and restricting transit for specific passengers, following an ongoing investigation into a traveller who tested positive for Bundibugyo Virus Disease after arriving in Nigeria.
In a public statement dated October 23, 2026, the Director General Health Services, Prof Charles Olaro, revealed that initial findings indicate the female traveller did not display symptoms at the time of her departure from Uganda.
"Available information indicates that the traveller did not exhibit symptoms at the time of departure from Uganda. However, investigations are continuing to establish the timing of symptom onset and the circumstances surrounding her infection," Prof Olaro stated.
The ministry is collaborating with Nigerian health authorities to trace the traveller’s complete travel history, movements, and potential exposure routes. Ugandan officials have also requested additional details from Nigeria, including detailed travel itineraries and genomic sequencing results where available. Technical support and inter-agency collaboration are currently being provided by international partners, including the Africa CDC, US CDC, and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
To prevent potential transmission and strengthen national health security, the Ministry of Health has rolled out several precautionary control measures at all points of entry and exit across the country.
According to Prof Olaro, traveller locator forms have been reinstated for all incoming travellers, regardless of their origin, to ensure swift contact tracing and follow-up if required. Furthermore, infection prevention and control protocols have been reinforced at border crossings and health facilities, while surveillance efforts continue across the country.
As part of the strict border measures, travellers with a recent history of travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will temporarily not be permitted to transit through Uganda.
"Applicable provisions of the Public Health Act will be invoked where public health requirements are breached. Persons entering the country through unauthorised routes will be referred to the relevant authorities for appropriate action under the law," Prof Olaro warned.
The ministry urged local border communities to remain vigilant and report any suspected unauthorized border crossings to facilitate proper screening and public health follow-up.
Despite the ongoing investigation and mandatory precautions, health authorities reiterated that Uganda has not recorded any active internal outbreak.
"The Ministry of Health wishes to assure the country 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," Prof Olaro noted.
Members of the public seeking additional information or wishing to report alerts have been advised to contact the Ministry of Health toll-free hotline on 0800-100-066, send an alert SMS to 6767, or reach out via U-Report on 8500.