Uganda’s Ministry of Health has said the traveller who tested positive for Bundibugyo virus disease in Nigeria showed no symptoms when she departed Uganda, as investigations continue to establish how and when she contracted the infection.
In a statement dated October 23, 2026, signed by the Director General of Health Services, Prof. Charles Olaro, the ministry said it was working with Nigerian health authorities to trace the woman’s movements and identify possible exposure to the virus.
“Available information indicates that the traveller did not exhibit symptoms at the time of departure from Uganda,” the statement said.
The ministry added that it had requested further information from Nigerian authorities, including detailed travel records and genomic sequencing results, where available, to support the investigation.
As part of precautionary measures, Uganda has reinstated traveller locator forms for all arrivals, regardless of their country of origin, to support follow-up and contact tracing when necessary.
The ministry also said infection prevention and control measures had been strengthened at all points of entry and exit, as well as at health facilities, while surveillance continued across the country.
It further announced that travellers with a history of travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo would not be allowed to transit through Uganda.
According to the ministry, provisions of the Public Health Act would be enforced where public health requirements were violated. People entering the country through unauthorised routes would also be referred to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.
The ministry urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspected unauthorised border crossings to support screening and public health monitoring.
Despite the reported case in Nigeria, the ministry reassured the public that Uganda remained Ebola-free.
It also called on travellers and members of the public to remain calm, practise proper hand hygiene and comply with screening and other public health measures at all points of entry.
The ministry acknowledged the support of government agencies, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organisation in the ongoing investigation.
