Uganda is officially Ebola free – Minister Baryomunsi

Unlike previous Ebola outbreaks that informed the current 42-day declaration policy, the minister said 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," he stated.

Baryomunsi revealed that enhanced surveillance has detected no unexplained community transmission.

Uganda's latest outbreak infected 20 people, including 15 Congolese nationals, four health workers and one driver. Two patients died, giving the country a case fatality rate of about 10%, significantly lower than the more than 30% typically associated with the Ebola Bundibugyo virus outbreaks.

The World Health Organisation has attributed Uganda's success to years of investment in epidemic preparedness, including specialised treatment facilities, trained emergency medical teams and pre-positioned medical supplies.

However, officials warn that Uganda's risk remains high because transmission continues across the border. Baryomunsi said surveillance has been intensified along communities stretching from West Nile to Kisoro while health workers continue screening travellers and educating border communities about Ebola prevention.

According to Congolese health authorities, the country has now recorded over 2,300 confirmed Ebola cases, including 930 deaths, with the outbreak continuing to outpace response efforts in some affected areas