Uganda’s Ministry of Health has reassured the public that the country has no confirmed active Ebola cases following reports of a confirmed infection in Nigeria involving a woman who had travelled to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and transited through Uganda.
In a public statement issued on October 20, 2026, the Ministry said preliminary information indicated that the woman passed through Uganda in early October without showing symptoms before developing them after arriving in Nigeria.
The Ministry cautioned against assuming that the infection originated in Uganda, noting that investigations were still underway to establish where the woman was exposed to the virus.
“Travel through Uganda does not establish that infection occurred here. The location of exposure remains under investigation,” the Ministry said.
It added that Nigerian authorities had not yet provided detailed information about the woman’s travel itinerary and clinical history, which would help guide further investigations and determine whether contact tracing was necessary in Uganda.
“We wish to clarify that, as at the time of this statement, Uganda has NO confirmed active Ebola cases,” the Ministry said.
The reported infection has prompted renewed public health vigilance, with the Ministry urging Ugandans to remain calm as authorities monitor developments and seek further information from their Nigerian counterparts.
The Ministry also noted that limited provisions had been maintained for humanitarian and diplomatic movement. It said it would work with relevant agencies to strengthen screening and public health controls at points of entry.
“Additionally, limited provisions had been maintained for humanitarian and diplomatic movement. The Ministry, working with relevant agencies, will further strengthen screening and public health controls at points of entry,” the statement read.
The Ministry urged the public to maintain good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and the use of sanitiser, as investigations continue.
“We urge the public to remain calm, vigilant and to practice regular handwashing and sanitising,” the Ministry said, adding that further updates would be shared through its official communication channels.
The Ministry reiterated that Uganda had no confirmed active Ebola cases at the time of its statement and said further investigations would depend on additional information from Nigerian authorities.
