Uganda Restricts Border Transit and Reinstates Locator Forms Over Ebola Probes

The Ugandan Ministry of Health has implemented heightened public health precautionary measures, which include reinstating mandatory traveler locator forms and restricting transit for specific passengers. These actions follow an ongoing investigation into a traveler who tested positive for the Bundibugyo Virus Disease after arriving in Nigeria.

Prof Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services, stated that initial findings indicate the female traveler showed no symptoms when she left Uganda. Health officials are now collaborating with Nigerian authorities and international bodies—including the Africa CDC, US CDC, and WHO—to trace her complete travel history and potential exposure routes.

To safeguard national health security, traveler locator forms have been made mandatory for all incoming arrivals. Additionally, infection prevention protocols have been reinforced across border crossings and healthcare facilities. Under the new border measures, individuals with a recent travel history to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will temporarily be barred from transiting through Uganda. Authorities have also warned that anyone using unauthorized routes will face legal consequences under the Public Health Act.

Despite these stringent precautions, health officials have reassured the public that Uganda has not recorded any active internal outbreak and remains officially Ebola-free. Citizens and visitors are encouraged to stay calm, maintain good hand hygiene, and fully cooperate with screening protocols at all entry points. Local border communities have also been asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious unauthorized crossings.

The regional health situation remains complex as officials across Africa investigate potential links between cases in multiple countries following an outbreak that originated in the DRC. Ugandan authorities have maintained that they will remain transparent and update the public on any new health developments. For further information or to report alerts, the public can reach the Ministry of Health through its toll-free hotline at 0800-100-066.

Read more details in the Daily Monitor report.