By Salma El-Sakka
Uganda is reinforcing its border controls to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus, introducing new requirements for citizens returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the Ministry of Health, those returning from Congo must now undergo a 21-day quarantine period at their own expense.
New Border Restrictions and Enforcement
The enhanced measures include intensified screening at land borders and Entebbe International Airport. Non-essential travelers from Congo will be returned through the nearest border crossing at their own expense, while individuals entering the country illegally will face prosecution. All arrivals, including diplomats and United Nations personnel, are now required to complete passenger locator forms and undergo health screenings. Currently, travelers with a history of travel to Congo are prohibited from transiting through Uganda, even on chartered flights.
Investigation into Viral Transmission
The decision comes as investigators examine the movements of a woman who traveled from Uganda to Nigeria and subsequently contracted Ebola. Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi stated that while the woman held both Ugandan and another passport and had relatives in both Uganda and Congo, investigators have not yet confirmed if she visited Congo. Swiss authorities have suggested the woman may have contracted the virus while traveling to Uganda.
Ugandan officials are collaborating with Nigerian authorities and international partners to review genomic findings and verify the patient's movements and interactions. Nigerian Health Minister Muhammad Pate noted that the infection appeared closely related to Kenya's first Ebola case, though the exact transmission route remains unresolved. Both patients reportedly passed through Entebbe airport on October 3.
Regional Impact and Containment Efforts
In Kenya, a 40-year-old man living in Congo died after testing positive for Ebola following travel through Uganda. The Kenyan death toll has risen to two after a close relative also succumbed to the virus. Uganda confirmed that all 60 contacts of the Kenyan patient, including hotel staff and transport operators, have completed their 21-day monitoring period without symptoms. Meanwhile, Uganda has deployed Ebola experts to Congo to assist in containing the Bundibugyo strain.
