21 Days in Quarantine! Uganda’s Tough New Rule for Citizens Returning From Congo

Uganda has imposed a mandatory 21-day quarantine on citizens returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) as authorities intensify efforts to prevent the cross-border spread of Ebola.

The restrictions form part of strengthened surveillance measures, including health screening at Entebbe International Airport and land border crossings. Travellers are required to complete health declarations and undergo checks, while those suspected of infection may be isolated for further assessment and testing.

The measures come amid concerns over Ebola cases reported in Kenya and Nigeria involving travellers who passed through Uganda. The developments have raised fresh questions about the risk of regional transmission, although Uganda declared its own Ebola outbreak over on July 28.

Nigeria’s first reported case involved a woman who returned to Abuja from Uganda. Switzerland’s foreign ministry said she was believed to have contracted the virus while in Uganda, but the precise source of infection has not been established. Ugandan authorities have disputed claims that the infection originated in the country.

Uganda has also reported that all 60 people identified as contacts of Kenya’s first Ebola patient completed their 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms and were discharged.

Under the new measures, non-essential travellers from Congo may be returned across the border at their own expense. Authorities have warned that people who evade screening or violate quarantine requirements could face prosecution.

Uganda is also working with Congolese health authorities to strengthen testing and treatment facilities in affected areas, aiming to contain the outbreak and reduce cross-border transmission risks.

The developments highlight the challenges facing neighbouring countries as they coordinate border surveillance, contact tracing and public health measures to contain Ebola.