The move followed a case involving a traveler suspected of having visited the DRC, where Ebola is spreading rapidly, the ministry said in a statement. The traveler transited through Uganda and tested positive upon arrival in Nigeria, Xinhua reported.
Another traveler with a history of travel to the DRC also transited through Uganda and tested positive after reaching Kenya in early October.
Under the new measures, all travelers, regardless of their origin, must complete locator forms to facilitate contact tracing when necessary, the ministry said.
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Infection prevention and control measures have been strengthened at all entry and exit points and health facilities, while nationwide surveillance is continuing, it added.
The ministry warned that people entering Uganda through unauthorized routes would face prosecution for violating public health requirements.
“The ministry requests communities to remain vigilant and report suspected unauthorized border crossings to the relevant authorities to facilitate screening and necessary public health follow-up,” the statement said.
The ministry also noted that Uganda remains Ebola-free.
Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, before the end of the outbreak was officially recognized by the World Health Organization and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Aug. 27, following 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case.
