Uganda has officially declared the end of its 2026 Ebola outbreak, marking another successful containment of the virus even as neighbouring Democratic
Uganda has officially declared the end of its 2026 Ebola outbreak, marking another successful containment of the virus even as neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo continues to battle a much larger epidemic.
Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi announced Tuesday the “successful completion of the mandatory 42-day monitoring period,” which began after the discharge of the country’s last patient, a locally transmitted case, on June 16, 2026.
He said the Ministry of Health maintained intensive nationwide surveillance throughout that period and detected no new cases.
Uganda’s outbreak was linked from the outset to the larger epidemic in eastern Congo’s Ituri province, with the first cases traced to Congolese nationals who crossed the border seeking treatment before their illness was known to be Ebola. Of the 20 confirmed cases in Uganda, 18 patients were discharged, and two died, both of whom were Congolese nationals.
Uganda’s health ministry described the outbreak as arising from a “fully documented importation event,” distinguishing it from the country’s previous Ebola episodes, and said all identified contacts completed quarantine and follow-up monitoring without further transmission.
The outbreak involved the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment.
Despite the declaration, authorities are urging continued caution. Baryomunsi called on Ugandans “to remain alert” and keep observing public health measures.
Uganda also said it will keep its border with Congo closed as its neighbour continues struggling to contain its own outbreak.
Concerns persist in Congo’s affected provinces, where some communities remain unreachable or have seen responders withdraw amid safety fears tied to attacks from residents and armed groups.
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