By Judith Anena

in Kampala

Uganda has officially declared an end to the 2026 Ebola Disease outbreak after completing the mandatory 42-day monitoring period without recording any new infections, the Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday.

In a press statement issued by Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the government said the declaration follows intensive nationwide surveillance that began after the last locally transmitted Ugandan patient was discharged on June 16.

“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,” Dr. Baryomunsi said.

The minister said no new Ebola cases were detected during the 42-day monitoring period, allowing Uganda to meet international requirements for declaring the outbreak over.

According to the Ministry, the 2026 outbreak differed from previous Ebola outbreaks because it originated from a fully documented importation event from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), enabling health authorities to trace every confirmed case and interrupt transmission.

“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 completed the mandatory 21-day follow-up without evidence of further transmission,” Dr. Baryomunsi stated.

The Ministry said advances in rapid molecular diagnostics, whole genome sequencing, digital surveillance and real-time contact tracing strengthened Uganda’s ability to confirm that the outbreak had been successfully contained. Scientists also established that the virus responsible was a distinct Bundibugyo virus variant.

Uganda declared the outbreak on May 15 after confirming imported Ebola cases from the DRC. During the response, the country recorded 20 confirmed infections, including 15 imported cases and five Ugandan health care workers who contracted the virus while caring for infected patients. Eighteen people recovered, while two died.

Dr. Baryomunsi attributed the successful response to years of government investment in strengthening Uganda’s public health systems.

“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,” he said.

He also praised frontline health workers, district local governments, community health workers, security agencies, researchers, development partners, the media and local communities for their role in containing the outbreak.

Despite the declaration, the minister cautioned that the country remains at risk because Ebola transmission continues in neighbouring eastern DRC.

“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,” Dr. Baryomunsi said.

He said Uganda has strengthened rapid response teams, maintained enhanced surveillance across the country and continues to work closely with districts to ensure any suspected cases are detected and contained quickly.

As part of regional efforts to prevent cross-border transmission, Uganda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the DRC to implement a joint Ebola response and established two mobile laboratories and an 80-bed Ebola Treatment Unit in Aru and Kasenyi in eastern DRC.

“Containing the outbreak at its source is critical to protecting both our countries and the wider region,” the minister said.

Dr. Baryomunsi urged communities, particularly those living along Uganda’s borders, to remain vigilant and report illegal border crossings or anyone showing symptoms of Ebola to the nearest health facility or through the Ministry’s toll-free reporting channels.

“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,” he said.

The minister also reassured Ugandans, tourists, investors and the international community that Uganda remains safe for travel, business and all socio-economic activities, with the country’s health system remaining on full alert.