Uganda has officially been declared Ebola-free, the Minister of Health, Chris Baryomunsi, announced today at the Uganda Media Centre.
Baryomunsi said the declaration follows the successful containment of the 2026 Ebola outbreak after the country’s last Ugandan Ebola patient was discharged on June 16, 2026, with no further transmission detected through enhanced surveillance.
According to the Ministry of Health, the 2026 outbreak was different from previous Ebola epidemics because it arose from a fully documented importation event. The source of infection was identified, the route of introduction established, and all confirmed cases were epidemiologically linked.
The ministry said all transmission chains were completely characterised and reconstructed, while every identified contact was placed under institutional quarantine and completed the mandatory 21-day follow-up period without developing the disease. Enhanced surveillance has also detected no unexplained community transmission.
Baryomunsi said the successful containment of the outbreak reflects Uganda’s strong public health surveillance and rapid response systems. He, however, urged the public and health facilities to remain vigilant and continue observing infection prevention and surveillance measures to safeguard the country against future outbreaks.
