Uganda Tightens Travel Rules After Ebola Case in Nigeria

Uganda has stopped travelers with a history of going to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from passing through the country. This comes as they look into a traveler who tested positive for Ebola in Nigeria.

The Ugandan Ministry of Health shared this news on Friday. They also brought back traveler locator forms to help with follow-ups and contact tracing if needed.

"The Ministry of Health wants to update everyone on the ongoing investigation into the traveler who tested positive for Bundibugyo Virus Disease in Nigeria."

"The information we have shows that the traveler did not have symptoms when she left Uganda. We are still investigating to find out when her symptoms started and how she got infected," said Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services.

Uganda is collaborating with Nigerian health officials to find out the traveler’s full travel history, her movements, and any possible exposures. They have also asked Nigeria for more information, including travel records and genomic sequencing results if they are available.

The country insists that it “remains Ebola-free.”

Uganda had previously faced an Ebola outbreak from the Bundibugyo virus. This was declared on 15 May 2026 after cases came in from the DRC. The country had 20 confirmed cases and two deaths before declaring the outbreak over in August, after 42 days without a new local case.

As of 20 October, the DRC had reported 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths across eight provinces, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Ministry said they have stepped up infection prevention and control measures at all entry and exit points and health facilities. They are also keeping a close watch across the country.

They warned that Uganda’s Public Health Act will be enforced if public health rules are broken. The ministry is asking communities to report any suspicious unauthorized border crossings to the right authorities for screening and public health follow-up.

The Ministry urged travelers and the public to stay calm and alert. They also advised everyone to practice good hand hygiene and follow screening and other public health measures.

Uganda’s new rules come after Nigeria announced its Ebola case, stating the patient arrived on an international flight from Uganda. On 21 October, Uganda clarified that the traveler’s route through the country does not mean she got Ebola there. They said initial information shows she traveled to eastern DRC for business before coming through Uganda and had no symptoms while in the country.

At that time, Uganda also stated they had no active Ebola cases. The latest statement reinforces this position, saying investigations with Nigerian health officials are still ongoing.