Kampala, 28th July, 2026 – The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that Uganda has officially declared the end of the 2026 Ebola Disease outbreak. Today, Uganda is Ebola free.

The declaration follows the successful completion of the mandatory 42-day monitoring period, which began after the discharge of the last Ugandan national, a locally transmitted patient on 16th June 2026. Throughout this period, the Ministry of Health maintained intensive surveillance nationwide, and no new Ebola cases have been detected.

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.

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.

These advances have been particularly important during the current outbreak. Genomic analyses have confirmed that the circulating virus represents a distinct Bundibugyo virus variant, while additional evolutionary studies continue to expand our understanding of how this outbreak emerged. Together, these findings demonstrate that scientific knowledge of Ebola viruses continues to evolve.

The Ministry recognises that the long-standing 42-day criterion has served the global public health community well and remains an essential safeguard in outbreaks where transmission is uncertain or ongoing. However, where an outbreak results from a fully characterised imported event and epidemiological closure has been conclusively demonstrated, a fixed time interval alone may no longer represent the only basis for determining that transmission has ended.

Uganda declared the Ebola outbreak on 15th May 2026 following the confirmation of imported cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During the outbreak, Uganda registered a total of 20 confirmed cases, of whom 18 recovered while 2 sadly lost their lives. Of these cases, 15 were imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while 5 were Ugandan nationals who acquired the infection as care workers of the imported cases.

Uganda has defeated this outbreak because of the strong investments the Government has made over the years in building resilient public health systems. Our ability to quickly detect cases, trace and monitor contacts, provide quality treatment, strengthen laboratory services, and work closely with communities ensured that the outbreak was rapidly brought under control.

This achievement also reflects the commitment and professionalism of our frontline health workers, the vigilance of communities, and the close collaboration between Government, local leaders, security agencies, and partners.

As we celebrate this achievement, we must remember that Ebola remains a threat in our region. The outbreak in the neighbouring DRC is still evolving, and Uganda remains on high alert at border points and within communities, strengthened rapid response teams, and continues to work closely with districts across the country to ensure that Uganda remains prepared to respond quickly to any suspected case.

As part of our regional response, the Government of Uganda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of DRC to implement a cross-border Joint Ebola Response. In light of this, Uganda has set up two mobile laboratories and an 80-bed Ebola Treatment Unit in Aru and Kasenyi in DRC. Containing the outbreak at its source is critical to protecting both our countries and the wider region.

The Ministry of Health expresses its sincere appreciation to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda for his unwavering leadership and support throughout the response. We equally thank our frontline health workers, district local governments, Community Health Workers (CHWs), security agencies, communities, the media, researchers, partners and all Ugandans for their relentless hard work and sacrifice.

Although Uganda is now Ebola free, our work does not stop here. We will continue strengthening surveillance, maintaining preparedness across the country, particularly in border districts, and working with neighbouring countries to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our people.

The Ministry of Health appeals to border communities to remain alert and report any illegal entry of persons into the country. Persons with suspected symptoms should be taken to the nearest health facility and also report through the toll-free line 0800-100-066 or send an alert SMS to 6767.

The Ministry of Health wishes to reassure all Ugandans, visitors, investors and members of the international community that Uganda is safe, our health system remains fully alert, and the country is open for business, tourism and all socio-economic activities.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY
Dr. Chis Bai Bunsi
Minister for Health