Uganda has officially declared the end of the 2026 Ebola outbreak after completing the mandatory 42-day monitoring period without registering any new infections.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, confirming that the country is now free of the Ebola virus disease.
The outbreak, which was declared on May 15 following the importation of cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulted in 20 confirmed infections. Of these, 15 were imported cases, while five Ugandan health workers contracted the virus while treating infected patients.
According to the Ministry of Health, 18 patients recovered from the disease, while two people succumbed to the virus during the outbreak.
Dr. Baryomunsi attributed the successful containment of the outbreak to the country’s robust surveillance system, rapid emergency response, effective contact tracing and strengthened laboratory testing capacity, which enabled health authorities to quickly identify, isolate and manage cases.
He commended health workers, surveillance teams, development partners and members of the public for their cooperation and commitment throughout the response, describing their collective efforts as instrumental in bringing the outbreak under control.
Despite the declaration, the Minister cautioned that Uganda remains on high alert as Ebola transmission continues in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, posing a continued risk of cross-border importation.
He urged communities, particularly those living in border districts, to remain vigilant, observe public health measures and immediately report any suspected Ebola cases to health authorities.
The Ministry of Health says it will maintain surveillance and emergency preparedness measures to ensure the country can respond swiftly to any future outbreaks, even as Uganda celebrates another successful victory against one of the world’s deadliest viral diseases.
By Our Reporter
28th July 2026
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