Uganda Declared Free of Ebola Following Last Patient Discharge

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has been declared free of Ebola, marking a significant milestone. The country’s last Ebola patient was discharged in mid-June, as the virus continues to affect Congo.

From the beginning, Ugandan officials linked their cases to the outbreak in Congo’s Ituri province, which borders Uganda. Initial cases in Uganda involved Congolese nationals crossing the border for treatment before Ebola was diagnosed, according to health officials.

Congo announced its outbreak on May 15, coinciding with Uganda confirming two Ebola cases, including a fatality.

A total of 20 cases were reported in Uganda. Health authorities confirm there is currently no sign of further spread. Uganda released its last patient on June 16 and adhered to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of a 42-day monitoring period to ensure the country was free of the disease.

Uganda’s 2026 Ebola outbreak arose from a fully documented importation event.

Uganda’s Health Ministry stated that all identified contacts underwent institutional quarantine and a mandatory 21-day follow-up without signs of transmission. Enhanced surveillance has detected no unexplained community transmission, leading to the official declaration.

The Bundibugyo strain involved in the outbreak has no approved vaccine or treatment. The regional outbreak is classified as a global health emergency.

Ugandan authorities acted decisively in response to the outbreak. In May, the president urged citizens to refrain from handshakes and postponed a major religious event attracting pilgrims from Congo to a shrine near Kampala.

Measures included halting public transportation and flights between Uganda and Congo.

In Congo, confirmed cases of Ebola have reached 3,262, with 1,437 deaths reported. This outbreak is noted as the fastest on record.

The case count in Congo is likely to surpass previous outbreaks soon. The current outbreak’s rapid transmission poses challenges, particularly in inaccessible communities affected by safety concerns and attacks.

Tracing and isolating Ebola contacts remains critical to halting the spread of the disease.