Uganda has introduced stricter border restrictions, barring travellers with a history of visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from transiting through the country as health authorities intensify efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola. The measures follow confirmation of a case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease in Nigeria involving a woman who travelled through Uganda, raising concerns about possible exposure along her journey.
The Ministry of Health announced the new restrictions on October 23, 2026, as investigations continue to establish where the Nigerian woman contracted the virus. The directive applies to travellers who have visited the DRC, regardless of their nationality. Director General of Health Services Professor Charles Olaro said the government was strengthening preventive measures to protect the country against potential transmission.
Under the new guidelines, Uganda has reinstated traveller locator forms for all passengers entering the country, irrespective of where they are travelling from. The forms are intended to help health authorities trace individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and facilitate rapid follow-up if suspected cases emerge. Officials have also strengthened infection prevention and control measures at border crossings, other points of entry and exit, and health facilities.
The government has further warned that individuals who violate public health requirements could face action under the Public Health Act. Authorities are particularly concerned about people entering Uganda through unofficial border crossings, where travellers may evade screening. Communities living near border areas have consequently been urged to report suspected illegal crossings to help health workers identify and screen individuals who may pose a public health risk.
According to preliminary information released by the ministry, the woman had travelled to eastern DRC for business before passing through Uganda in early October. She subsequently travelled to Nigeria, where she developed symptoms and sought treatment at a private hospital in Abuja. However, Ugandan authorities say available information indicates that she was not showing symptoms when she departed Uganda.
The precise circumstances surrounding the infection remain unclear, with investigators yet to determine when and where the woman contracted the virus. Uganda is working with Nigerian health authorities to reconstruct her movements and identify possible sources of exposure. The Ministry of Health has also requested detailed travel records and genomic sequencing results from Nigeria to help establish the origin of the infection and determine whether additional contact tracing is necessary.
The investigation has received 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). Their involvement is expected to support information sharing, epidemiological investigations and efforts to assess any potential risk associated with the woman’s journey through Uganda.
Despite the heightened precautions, the Ministry of Health maintains that Uganda has no confirmed active Ebola cases. Professor Olaro has urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant, practise proper hand hygiene and cooperate with health officials conducting screening at border points. Authorities say the strengthened measures are precautionary as investigations continue, with the immediate priority being to prevent possible transmission and protect public health.
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