Kampala — The Government has stepped up Ebola preparedness and response measures following confirmation of two imported cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease involving Congolese nationals, the Ministry of Health has said.
Briefing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine said one death had been recorded, while the second patient is recovering after testing negative on two consecutive occasions.
She noted that 127 contacts have been identified and placed under institutional quarantine as part of ongoing containment efforts.
Dr Atwine said Government, through the National Task Force chaired by the Vice President, has intensified surveillance, screening, and public sensitisation campaigns, particularly at border points.
She further announced temporary measures including heightened border screening, suspension of selected cross-border transport routes with the Democratic Republic of Congo, closure of some weekly border markets, and restrictions on large gatherings in high-risk areas.
The Ministry of Health maintained that schools will reopen as scheduled but must strictly adhere to infection prevention and control guidelines issued by health authorities.
Officials urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility as efforts continue to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.