The Ministry of Health has officially declared Uganda free of Ebola after completing the mandatory 42-day monitoring period without recording any new infections.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, who said the country had successfully contained the outbreak through strengthened surveillance and response measures.
“The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that Uganda has officially declared the end of the 2026 Ebola disease outbreak. Today, as we speak, Uganda is Ebola-free,” Baryomunsi told journalists.
Uganda declared an outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in May 2026 after cases were reported following cross-border transmission from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Since the outbreak was confirmed, two deaths were recorded, while 20 people were infected by the virus.
Dr Baryomunsi said the declaration followed extensive nationwide surveillance, contact tracing, and monitoring activities, with no new cases detected during the required 42-day period.
“Throughout this period, the Ministry of Health maintained intensive surveillance nationwide, and no new Ebola cases have been detected,” he said.
Byaromunsi said unlike previous Ebola outbreaks that informed the current 42-day declaration policy, Uganda’s 2026 Ebola outbreak arose from a fully documented importation event.
“The source of infection was identified, the route of introduction established, all confirmed cases were epidemiologically linked, transmission chains were completely characterised and reconstructed, and all identified contacts were institutionally quarantined and completed the mandatory 21-day follow-up without evidence of further transmission. Enhanced surveillance has detected no unexplained community transmission,” he said.
The minister noted that since the development of the current international guidance, significant advances
have transformed outbreak investigation and response.
“Today, rapid molecular diagnostics, whole genome sequencing, digital surveillance, real-time contact
tracing and strengthened incident management systems provide a level of epidemiological certainty that was not previously possible.”
The declaration brings relief to the country’s economy, which had been affected by the outbreak, particularly sectors such as tourism and travel.
The outbreak also led to increased travel restrictions, with some countries introducing additional screening measures for travellers from Uganda, affecting movement and business activities.
Members have been urged to remain vigilant and continue observing preventive measures to ensure the country maintains its Ebola-free status.
