The authorities have stepped up vigilance at border crossing points across the country following an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health listed several border districts as being at high risk.
Manning the border points has been challenging because of the numerous illegal crossing points, coupled with the thin staff at the districts.
Screening is mainly being carried out by health personnel at the designated border crossing points, leaving out numerous undesignated points.
Buliisa District health authorities have heightened Ebola surveillance and screening measures at major entry points.
During yesterday’s Ebola task force meeting, the Buliisa District Health Educator, Robert Mugabe, said screening activities have been intensified at Wanseko Ferry Crossing and Butiaba Landing Site, which are considered critical entry routes into Uganda.
He added that health teams are carrying out continuous screening of travellers and nearby communities using the water transport routes to prevent any possible importation of the disease.
The Bundibugyo Resident District Commissioner, Maj (rtd) Edward John Mungabirwe, said they have intensified mandatory screening at the six border points and strengthened the Ebola task force surveillance activities.
The LC3 Chairperson of Ndaiga Sub-county, Luke Odaga, said they have received face masks, sanitisers, and screening equipment.
At the busy Kisoro border in Mupaka Town Council, Emmanuel Ndekezi called for strengthened screening services and strict observation of the standard operating procedures to control the spread of Ebola.
According to the Kyotera District Health Officer, Dr Edward Muwanga coordination meetings are ongoing to come up with a robust plan to handle Ebola cases if they emerge.
Officials said response teams between Mutukula – Kyotera border and Mutukula – Tanzania border would meet today to chart a way forward.
In Mbarara city, the Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Mbarara City, Polly Katwire said security authorities in the city have already put in place strict preventive measures to protect residents from the Ebola outbreak.
Katwire said security teams are working together with health officials to sensitise the public about Ebola prevention measures such as washing hands regularly, avoiding unnecessary body contact, and reporting suspected cases to health authorities immediately.
He added that Mbarara City has not yet registered any Ebola case, but security and health authorities remain alert and continue to strengthen preventive measures to protect the public from the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the second Congolese national who tested positive for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) after crossing into Uganda has recorded two consecutive negative tests, the Ministry of Health has announced, indicating the country has no active Ebola case currently.
Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, while announcing this on Thursday, said 127 health workers and other contacts of Ebola patients have been held under quarantine, which lasts around 21 days.
None of them has tested positive.
She added that the patient was tested on Monday, 18th May 2026, and the results were negative for EVD. The second repeat test was conducted on Wednesday, 20th May 2026 and was still negative and is currently being managed for her existing comorbidities.
A total of 127 contacts have been identified and are in institutional quarantineAccording to information from the World Health Organisation (WHO), prior to discharging a confirmed patient from a treatment centre, there should be “two negative tests, from blood samples taken at least 48 hours apart.”
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has a case fatality rate of between 30-50 percent and currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Dr Atwine said given Uganda’s proximity to the epicentre and strong cross-border linkages, including trade, movement for economic activity, and direct flights, the risk of further importations remains high.
Prevention
• Avoid physical contacts with anyone showing the Ebola symptoms
• Practice hand washing maintain good hand hygiene at all times
• Avoid contact with body fluids that include urine, blood, sweat, saliva, vomitus, and stool
• seek appropriate health care services immediately when you experience Ebola-like symptoms
• Dead bodies of suspected Ebola patients should be supervised by the health team
• All public places should institute hand washing facilities at their premises.
Symptoms of Ebola
• Sudden onset fever
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Unexplained bleeding
UGANDA-DRC BOARDER SURVEILLANCE STEPPED UP OVER EBOLA
