By Uganda has officially ended its latest Ebola outbreak after completing 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case, marking a major public health victory for the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced the milestone following the discharge of Uganda’s last Ebola patient, an imported case, on 16 July 2026.
Uganda declared the outbreak on 15 May 2026 after confirming Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The country recorded 20 confirmed cases, including 15 imported cases from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and five locally acquired infections. Eighteen people recovered while two died, with more than 800 contacts monitored. The outbreak was contained through rapid contact tracing, isolation and treatment, infection prevention measures, community engagement and strengthened surveillance.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Uganda’s response, saying the country had demonstrated that Ebola outbreaks can be brought under control through decisive action and strong preparedness.
Despite the declaration, Uganda has been urged to maintain vigilance and surveillance, particularly as Ebola continues to circulate in neighbouring DRC and cross-border movement remains a potential source of imported infections.
