Uganda’s Ebola Outbreak Declared Over: Last Patient Discharged, Country Urges Travel Restrictions Lift BODY: Kampala, Uganda — Uganda has successfully discharged its last confirmed Ebola patient, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to contain the virus.
The Congolese national, who was treated at the Mulago national referral hospital’s isolation centre in Kampala, was released on July 16, 2026. This development has triggered a 42-day countdown, after which the World Health Organization (WHO) can officially declare Uganda free of the virus, provided no new infections are detected.
The Ebola outbreak in Uganda, declared on May 15, 2025, followed cases imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As of July 5, 2026, Uganda had recorded 20 confirmed cases of Ebola, 15 of which were imported from the DRC.
The Bundibugyo strain of the virus has been the primary concern for health officials and the public alike.
The Ugandan government has been actively working to contain the outbreak, including sending mobile labs and medical teams to the DRC to help stop the outbreak at its source. This regional cooperation has been emphasized as a key strategy in combating the virus.
As Uganda begins the countdown to being declared Ebola — free, the country is also lobbying for travel restrictions to be lifted. These restrictions, which have been in place since the outbreak began, have had a significant impact on the country’s tourism, trade, and business sectors.
The US has placed Uganda on a level four advisory against all travel due to the Ebola outbreak, further complicating the country’s efforts to recover economically.
The Ugandan government is hopeful that the lifting of travel restrictions will help stimulate the economy and restore normalcy to the country.
The successful containment of the Ebola outbreak in Uganda is a testament to the country’s robust health system and the dedication of its healthcare workers. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of regional cooperation in addressing health crises of this magnitude.
As Uganda moves forward, the country will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with international partners to ensure that the Ebola virus is completely eradicated from the region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: The guardian
Source: John Musenze in Kampala
