Uganda’s Ministry of Health has clarified that a Nigerian woman diagnosed with Ebola reportedly travelled through Uganda, but her transit through the country does not establish that she contracted the virus there.
The ministry said investigations are ongoing to establish where the woman was exposed to the virus, cautioning against conclusions that link her infection to Uganda without supporting evidence.
Preliminary information indicates that the woman travelled to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for business before transiting through Uganda in early October 2026.
Authorities are working to establish the circumstances surrounding her movements and possible exposure to the virus.
The clarification comes amid concerns about the potential cross-border spread of Ebola, given the movement of people between Uganda and neighbouring countries, including DR Congo.
Health experts routinely emphasise the importance of surveillance, timely reporting and evidence-based communication during outbreaks to prevent unnecessary public panic.
The Ministry of Health’s position underscores the need to distinguish between a person’s travel history and the actual location where an infection occurred.