WHO Commends Uganda’s Response as Ebola Outbreak Remains Contained

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has praised Uganda’s “prompt and capable” response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, expressing confidence that the situation can be brought under control through continued regional cooperation.

Dr. Tedros arrived in Uganda on Monday, June 8, 2026, following a high-level assessment visit to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is currently facing a larger outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. In a statement on X, he noted that strict screening measures at Uganda’s borders have played a key role in detecting and managing cases coming from the DRC epicentre.

He added that the country’s surveillance, testing, and case management systems are performing steadily, with the WHO and the Africa CDC actively supporting the government-led response.

According to a weekend situation report from the Ministry of Health, Uganda has recorded a cumulative total of 19 confirmed Ebola cases as of June 6, 2026. Health authorities reported no new cases in the latest update, indicating that containment efforts are taking effect.

Of the 19 cases, 14 were imported from the DRC while five are Ugandan nationals. The ministry also reported that 13 patients are currently receiving treatment, four have fully recovered and been discharged, and two deaths have been registered so far, both linked to imported cases.

Despite the cross-border nature of the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has reassured the public that the situation remains under control and that Uganda is safe. Dr. Tedros echoed this sentiment, offering condolences to the bereaved families while stressing that ending the regional threat depends on strong leadership, collaboration, and cross-border coordination.