Uganda Reports No Active Case, Calls for Calm Following Nigeria Outbreak

By: Odeh Favour

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has disclosed that it has no confirmed active Ebola cases, responding to reports that a Nigerian woman who tested positive for the virus had transited through the country earlier this month.

The ministry, in a public statement signed in Kampala by the Director General Health Services, Prof. Charles Olaro, noted that preliminary information indicates the woman travelled to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for business and passed through Uganda in early October without symptoms, developing symptoms only after arriving in Nigeria.

“Travel through Uganda does not establish that infection occurred here,” the ministry said, adding that the location of exposure remained under investigation.

The statement noted that the Nigerian government was yet to provide detailed information on the woman’s travel itinerary and clinical history, which it said would guide further investigations and any necessary contact tracing.

“We wish to clarify that, as at the time of this statement, Uganda has NO confirmed active Ebola cases,” the statement said.

It added that limited provisions had been maintained for humanitarian and diplomatic movement, and that the ministry, working with relevant agencies, would further 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,” the statement said.

The ministry directed the public to its hotline on 0800-100-066, an alert SMS line on 6767, and U-Report on 8500, promising to continue sharing verified updates through its official channels.