Uganda imposes 21-day quarantine on citizens returning from Congo amid Ebola precautions
Uganda will quarantine citizens returning with a history of travel to Democratic Republic of Congo for 21 days, Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi said on Sunday, as the country tightens Ebola precautions while remaining Ebola-free.
KAMPALA — Ugandan citizens returning to the country with a history of travel to Democratic Republic of Congo will be quarantined for 21 days, Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi said on Sunday, as Uganda tightened Ebola precautions despite saying it remained Ebola-free.
Baryomunsi said all 60 contacts linked to a Kenyan Ebola case had completed their 21-day monitoring period and been discharged. The contacts were traced across points of entry and exit, hotels and transport operators linked to travellers’ movements through Uganda.
“The ministry has intensified traveller screening at Entebbe International Airport and all land border crossings. All travellers intending to enter Uganda by air, land or water must complete the passenger locator form,” Baryomunsi said.
Uganda has been investigating a Nigerian Ebola case involving a woman who had travelled from Uganda. Officials said they were reviewing genomic sequencing, travel information, interactions and movements in coordination with Nigerian authorities and international partners.
Genomic analysis of Nigeria’s only confirmed Ebola case showed the virus was closely related to the strain detected in Kenya’s index case, though Nigerian authorities said there was no evidence that the Kenya case travelled to Nigeria or had a direct connection, Reuters reported.
Uganda borders Congo, where the outbreak began, and has previously battled Ebola outbreaks. Uganda’s Daily Monitor reported that Baryomunsi said Uganda remains Ebola-free, with no confirmed cases since the country declared its Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak over on 28 July 2026, and that Uganda has expanded cross-border medical support into eastern Congo with three treatment units totalling 240 beds.
Sources
- Reuters, “Uganda to impose 21-day quarantine on returning citizens with Congo travel history”: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/uganda-impose-21-day-quarantine-returning-citizens-with-congo-travel-history-2026-10-25/
- Daily Monitor, “Uganda imposes mandatory 21-day DRC quarantine as regional Ebola threat expands”: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-imposes-mandatory-21-day-drc-quarantine-as-regional-ebola-threat-expands-5645034
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