Uganda has denied reports of an active Ebola outbreak in the country following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Uganda’s Ministry of Health said the woman who tested positive for Ebola in Nigeria had travelled through Uganda but stressed that her transit through the country did not establish where she contracted the virus.
The ministry said details of her movements, travel dates and clinical history would be crucial to determining the likely location of exposure and guiding any additional public health measures.
“The location of exposure remains under investigation,” the ministry said in a statement issued on Tuesday, adding that further information about the woman’s travel itinerary and clinical history was needed to establish the likely source of infection.
The ministry also said it was working with relevant agencies to strengthen screening and surveillance at points of entry following Nigeria’s announcement.
Uganda recorded Ebola infections earlier in 2026 but subsequently declared the outbreak over after meeting the required conditions for ending transmission.
Muhammad Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced the confirmed case on Tuesday, saying laboratory tests had established that the woman was infected with Ebola virus disease.
According to Pate, the patient had recently travelled to East Africa, including Uganda, before returning to Nigeria with symptoms on October 7. Her condition reportedly worsened four days later, prompting further medical attention and testing.
The woman was admitted to a private hospital, where she received treatment for several days before the Ebola diagnosis was confirmed. She has since been placed in isolation and is receiving medical care.
Pate said health authorities had identified 44 contacts and commenced contact tracing to prevent further transmission, adding that surveillance has also been strengthened at Nigeria’s points of entry.
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