Only five Ugandans among 15 Ebola cases recorded

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Only five Ugandans have so far contracted Ebola, despite the country’s confirmed cases rising to 15, with health authorities saying most infections are linked to patients who crossed into Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seeking treatment.

According to the Ministry of Health, 10 of the 15 confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases recorded as of June 2, 2026, are Congolese nationals, while the remaining five Ugandans infected are health workers who came into contact with patients during treatment.

The figures suggest that Uganda has largely managed to prevent widespread community transmission, even as it battles the imported outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola currently affecting eastern DRC.

Ministry of Health officials told New Vision that aggressive contact tracing, screening at border points, and rapid isolation of suspected cases have helped contain the virus.

“Ten of the confirmed cases are Congolese nationals who came in seeking treatment, while others were their close contacts. Five of the confirmed cases are health workers, with four Ugandan frontline workers and one Congolese,” said an official.

The outbreak has placed frontline health workers at the centre of the response, highlighting the risks faced by medical teams treating patients before Ebola infection is confirmed. Uganda currently has 12 active cases under treatment, while two patients have recovered, and one person has died.

Despite the increase in confirmed infections, health authorities said there are growing signs that containment measures are working. The Ministry of Health is expected to discharge 125 Ebola contacts from monitoring quarantine this week after they completed the mandatory 21-day observation period without developing symptoms.

“We have already discharged 22 contacts who had finished 21 days. We expect that by Friday we will have discharged 125, and these have been followed from the time of contact with the case,” Olaro said while appearing on the national broadcaster on June 1.

Contact tracing remains one of the most critical tools in controlling Ebola outbreaks. Once a case is confirmed, response teams identify and monitor everyone who may have been exposed to the virus for 21 days, the maximum incubation period for Ebola. The ministry said 668 contacts are currently under active follow-up in affected districts.

Health officials also revealed that three more patients have tested negative for Ebola and are awaiting formal discharge from treatment facilities.

“We have already discharged Case 002, and three of the other patients have since tested negative. They are due for discharge once they complete treatment,” Olaro said.

According to health experts, early diagnosis and prompt supportive treatment have contributed significantly to improving recovery rates. To strengthen outbreak response, Uganda has expanded its laboratory network to ensure faster testing and confirmation of suspected cases.

“We have strengthened our laboratory capacity to minimise turnaround time. If we are able to get patients early, then their chances of survival are much, much better,” Olaro said.

Testing services are currently available through laboratories in Arua and Bwera, supported by four mobile laboratories that can be rapidly deployed to outbreak hotspots.

Uganda has also intensified screening at 31 priority points of entry, particularly along the DRC border, according to WHO Uganda. Travellers are required to complete passenger locator forms and undergo health screening before entering or leaving the country.

At Entebbe International Airport, thousands of travellers are screened daily for symptoms, temperature changes, and possible exposure to Ebola, according to WHO Uganda.