Uganda Enforces Mandatory 21-Day Quarantine for Travelers from DRC Amid Regional Ebola Spread

The Ugandan government has announced a mandatory 21-day quarantine for all nationals returning home with a recent travel history to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi confirmed the strict measure on Sunday as part of heightened border precautions designed to shield the nation from an expanding regional Ebola threat.

Despite the tightening measures, Dr Baryomunsi assured the public that Uganda remains entirely free of the virus. No confirmed cases have been recorded since the previous Bundibugyo virus outbreak was officially declared over on July 28, 2026. Surveillance has been scaled up significantly at Entebbe International Airport, Kasese, and all land and water border crossings, with mandatory passenger locator forms now required for entry.

The widening regional crisis has seen nearly 10,000 infections and over 4,600 deaths in the DRC alone. Neighboring Kenya recently confirmed a second fatality after a 65-year-old woman succumbed to the virus in quarantine, though 60 local contacts linked to the initial cross-border transit through Uganda have successfully completed their monitoring period without developing symptoms.

To tackle the epidemic at its source, Uganda has established three medical treatment units in eastern Congo with a combined capacity of 240 beds. Meanwhile, health authorities are also collaborating with Nigerian officials to investigate a confirmed case in Nigeria involving a traveler who recently passed through Uganda.

Citizens are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding. Reports can be made through the Ministry of Health toll-free hotline at 0800-100-066, via SMS at 6767, or through the U-Report system.

For more details on this developing story, read the full report on the Daily Monitor.