UN seeks another $15.8 million to support Uganda’s Ebola response

KAMPALA — The United Nations in Uganda and its humanitarian partners have launched another emergency appeal for US$15.8 million, about Shs58 billion, to support Uganda’s response to the current Ebola outbreak, warning that the risk of further transmission remains high, especially in border communities and refugee-hosting areas.
 
The appeal, issued on Wednesday, May 27, by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, outlines a three-month emergency response plan running from May to August 2026.

The funding is intended to support urgent interventions to help Uganda quickly contain the outbreak and prevent its wider spread.

While UN agencies and humanitarian organisations have already mobilised and redirected US$3.1 million for immediate response activities, officials say a major funding gap remains.

That leaves US$12.7 million still needed over the coming weeks.

The appeal comes as health authorities continue monitoring the spread of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease, linked to an ongoing outbreak in Ituri Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

As of May 25, Uganda had confirmed seven Ebola cases, including one death, according to the UN statement.

More than 300 contacts were also under active follow-up.

That means health teams are closely monitoring people believed to have had direct contact with confirmed or suspected cases to quickly detect symptoms and limit further spread.

Uganda and eastern Congo are deeply connected through trade, transport and family networks.

Every day, thousands of people move between communities for business, work, medical care and social obligations. That movement supports livelihoods.

But during an Ebola outbreak, it also creates added pressure for health officials trying to track exposure and contain the virus before it spreads further. The UN said the risk remains especially high because of what it described as “intense cross-border movement between DRC and Uganda for trade, livelihoods, and family ties.”

Border districts and refugee-hosting communities are receiving particular attention.

Those areas often manage large volumes of movement while also dealing with pressure on health facilities and humanitarian services. To limit the risks, Uganda has already closed its border with DR Congo.

The emergency appeal is designed to support Uganda’s national response in those high-risk areas.

According to the UN, the plan includes support for treatment and case management, infection prevention and control, disease surveillance, logistics, community engagement and access to clean water and sanitation.

The response will also cover continuity of essential health services and support linked to protection, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and psychosocial care.
That wider approach matters because Ebola outbreaks often affect much more than hospitals.

Communities may face fear, school disruption, movement restrictions and pressure on already stretched local services.

Health workers also need protective equipment and rapid access to supplies.
Families in affected areas often need trusted public information quickly so they understand symptoms, prevention measures and what to do if someone becomes ill.

Officials say clear communication can be just as important as medical treatment.
Without trust and community cooperation, tracing contacts and isolating suspected cases becomes far harder.

The UN appeal reflects growing regional concern as countries move quickly to prevent the outbreak from escalating.

Uganda has dealt with Ebola outbreaks before and has developed significant experience in surveillance and emergency response.

But officials say outbreaks tied to border movement remain particularly difficult because cases can spread across districts and national boundaries before symptoms are identified.
That makes speed critical.