Uganda denies link to Nigeria’s imported Ebola case, cites DRC travel
Uganda
Abdullateef Fowewe
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has claimed it has no confirmed active Ebola cases, after Nigeria reported an imported Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease case in a Nigerian woman who travelled through Uganda following a business trip to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement, Uganda said preliminary information showed that the woman transited through the country in early October without symptoms and only developed symptoms after arriving in Nigeria.
“Travel through Uganda does not establish that infection occurred here. The location of exposure remains under investigation,” the ministry said.
It added, “We wish to clarify that, as at the time of this statement, Uganda has NO confirmed active Ebola cases.”
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on October 20.
The patient is a woman whose symptoms began on October 7, four days after her arrival in Nigeria; she sought care at a private facility on October 11, and laboratory tests confirmed Bundibugyo virus on October 20.
She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.
Nigerian authorities have also identified contacts for monitoring as part of the response.
Uganda said the Nigerian government had not yet provided detailed information on the woman’s full travel itinerary and clinical history, which it said would guide further investigations and any necessary contact tracing.
The ministry said limited provisions had been maintained for humanitarian and diplomatic movement, and that it would work with relevant agencies to strengthen screening and public-health controls at points of entry.
“We urge the public to remain calm, vigilant and to practice regular handwashing and sanitising,” Uganda said, adding that verified updates would be issued through official channels.
The case comes amid an Ebola Bundibugyo virus outbreak first declared in the DRC on May 15, 2026, with its epicentre in the country’s east, particularly North Kivu and neighbouring eastern provinces.
The World Health Organization says Uganda also recorded Ebola infections in May 2026, while Nigeria’s case is the fifth country detection linked to the current regional outbreak.
