Uganda says Ebola outbreak remains under control

The Ministry of Health has reassured Ugandans and the international community that the ongoing Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak remains under control, despite a rise in confirmed cases.

Speaking on the situation, Director of Public Health Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze said Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed Ebola cases, with 686 contacts currently under close monitoring and five patients having recovered.

“We continue to closely monitor all identified contacts. Anyone who develops symptoms is immediately isolated, tested, and managed appropriately while awaiting results,” Dr. Kyabayinze said.

He noted that surveillance, contact tracing, and case management efforts have been intensified to ensure suspected cases are detected early and contained before further transmission occurs.

According to the Ministry, several confirmed cases have been linked to cross-border movement from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Ebola outbreaks have previously claimed many lives. Five of the confirmed infections involve health workers, highlighting the risks faced by frontline medical personnel.

Despite the outbreak, Uganda is preparing to deploy at least 80 health workers to eastern DRC to support regional efforts aimed at controlling the spread of the disease.

“Our health workers continue to play a critical role in protecting communities. Their dedication remains essential in preventing further transmission,” Dr. Kyabayinze said.

Health officials said more than 780 contacts have been identified since the outbreak began, with hundreds already successfully followed up through the country’s surveillance system.

To reduce the risk of further infections, the government has strengthened screening and monitoring at major border points and along key transport routes. Some border crossings and air travel connections have also been temporarily restricted as a precaution.

However, officials acknowledged challenges posed by Uganda’s long and porous western border with the DRC.

“We have strengthened surveillance along major transport corridors, including Arua, Pakwach and Karuma, while closely monitoring travelers using unofficial crossing points,” Dr. Kyabayinze explained.

The outbreak has also affected some public events and religious activities. Authorities recently suspended or postponed certain preparations linked to the annual Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo over concerns about the arrival of large numbers of pilgrims from the DRC.

Health officials emphasized that such measures, although inconvenient, are necessary to protect public health and prevent possible transmission of the virus.

“Protecting lives remains our highest priority. Every preventive measure is intended to reduce the risk of further spread,” a Ministry official said.

Uganda has also expanded its treatment and isolation capacity. The Mulago National Isolation Facility is currently treating confirmed patients while monitoring suspected cases.

Laboratory services at strategic border points, including Mpondwe, have been strengthened with additional personnel and testing equipment to support rapid diagnosis and response.

Africa CDC representative Tolbert Nyenswah commended Uganda for its preparedness, coordination and rapid response, describing the country’s approach as a model for outbreak management in the region.

“We commend Uganda for its swift action, strong coordination structures and commitment to containing the outbreak before it spreads further,” Nyenswah said.

The expected visit of the World Health Organization Director-General for the launch of the Continental Ebola Incident Management Support Team is also expected to boost regional coordination and strengthen emergency response systems across Africa.

Public health experts say Uganda’s experience in handling previous Ebola outbreaks has helped the country build one of the strongest disease surveillance and response systems in the region.

Officials remain optimistic that continued vigilance, public cooperation, effective contact tracing and regional collaboration will help contain the outbreak and minimize its impact.

“We have learned valuable lessons from past outbreaks. Those experiences continue to guide our response and give us confidence that this outbreak can be controlled,” Dr. Kyabayinze said.