Uganda declared Ebola-free

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has applauded Uganda’s government, health workers, and communities after the country officially declared the end of its latest Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.

The announcement came today, April 26, 2025, exactly 87 days after the outbreak was first confirmed.

Dr Chikwe, the acting WHO Africa director, being welcomed by Dr Ruth Aceng at the declaration of Ebola free Uganda as Dr Charles Olaro (middle) the acting director general at the ministry of health looks on. (Courtesy)

Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, declared the country free of the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) after no new cases were reported for 42 consecutive days — double the maximum incubation period for the virus — following the discharge of the last confirmed patient on 14 March 2025.

"This is Uganda’s eighth Ebola outbreak, and once again, we have shown our resilience," Dr Aceng stated during her address.

She emphasised that the successful containment highlighted Uganda’s growing capacity to manage public health emergencies, thanks to sustained investments in surveillance, response infrastructure, and multi-sectoral coordination.

The outbreak, first detected on January 30, 2025, after the death of a 32-year-old male nurse, resulted in 14 cumulative cases (12 confirmed and 2 probable), with two confirmed deaths.

It affected seven districts and three cities, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mbale, Jinja, Ntoroko, Fort Portal, and Kyegegwa. However, swift interventions, including rapid case detection, enhanced contact tracing, community engagement, and strengthened infection prevention measures, played a critical role in halting further spread.

The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was among the first to extend his congratulations.

"Congratulations to the government and health workers of Uganda on ending the Ebola outbreak," Dr Tedros said. "I thank and commend the Ministry of Health for its leadership and commitment, and the many responders who protected their communities despite the risks."

WHO Africa’s Acting Regional Director, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, also praised Uganda’s efforts.

(L-R) WHO Africa’s acting Regional Director, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO Uganda representative Kasonde Mwinga and staff from WHO Uganda. (Courtesy)

"This is a powerful demonstration of what determined leadership, strong systems, and collective action can accomplish," he said. "WHO is proud to have supported the response every step of the way."

(Courtesy)

Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda, saluted the country’s leadership and resilience.

"From day one, WHO worked hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health, deploying expertise, providing essential supplies, and ensuring every suspected case was investigated," she said.

In her declaration, Dr Aceng highlighted several key interventions that led to the successful containment of the outbreak. These included the activation of a robust surveillance system, intensified community engagement, and the rapid isolation of suspected and confirmed cases.

Over 534 contacts were identified, and 85.2% were successfully quarantined, greatly reducing the risk of secondary infections.

Health facilities across the country were also equipped with strengthened infection prevention measures, preventing outbreaks within public hospitals. Only a single private facility reported healthcare worker infections.



Cross-border surveillance was intensified, with exit screenings established at all points of entry to curb the potential spread beyond Uganda’s borders.

Reflecting on the challenges, Dr Aceng noted the uniqueness of this outbreak.

"The detection of the first case in an urban setting presented unique and serious challenges," she said. "The risk of rapid, widespread transmission was very real. I commend our technical teams and partners for their swift response, which successfully averted an exponential spread."

Moving forward, the Ministry of Health pledged to continue supporting Ebola survivors through ongoing monitoring and reintegration programmes. Dr Aceng stressed that recovery from Ebola encompasses not just physical survival but restoring dignity, health, and acceptance within communities.

"This outbreak has offered valuable lessons," Dr Aceng concluded. "Our ability to maintain normalcy for most of the population, even amidst an outbreak, is a testament to the resilience of our systems, the dedication of our health workers, and the cooperation of the Ugandan people."

She urged continued vigilance, encouraging citizens to promptly report any suspected Ebola symptoms — such as sudden fever, headache, weakness, joint pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding — to the nearest health facility or through the Ministry of Health’s toll-free line.

Dr Aceng officially declared

"Having completed two full incubation cycles since the last confirmed case, I now officially declare the current Sudan Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda to be over. Uganda is now free of active Ebola transmission. For God and my country!"