Uganda confirms 2 imported cases of Ebola
By Emmanuel Rono, May 21, 2026Uganda has confirmed two imported cases of Ebola Virus Disease, triggering intensified national response measures aimed at preventing further spread of the highly infectious disease.
The Permanent Secretary at the Uganda Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine, said one of the patients has died while the second is recovering after testing negative twice for Ebola on May 18 and May 20, 2026.
Speaking during a briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, Dr Atwine said the cases involved Congolese nationals who had crossed into Uganda, prompting authorities to classify them as imported infections.
She added that so far, 127 contacts have been identified and placed under institutional quarantine as health teams work to break possible chains of transmission.
“Dr Atwine confirmed that one fatality has been recorded, while the second patient is steadily recovering after testing negative for Ebola on 18th and 20th May 2026. She revealed that 127 contacts have so far been identified and placed under institutional quarantine as part of ongoing containment efforts,” the statement read.
Readiness to fight the outbreak
She noted that the government has activated a National Task Force chaired by the Vice President to coordinate containment efforts, including enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and border screening.
“Under the National Task Force, chaired by H.E. the Vice President, has intensified nationwide sensitisation campaigns, strengthened screening and treatment capacities at border points, and temporarily suspended selected cross-border transport activities between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to minimise further importation risks,” the statement read.
The Ministry of Health also announced enhanced border security patrols, temporary suspension of weekly markets in border sub-counties, and restrictions on large public gatherings along the border areas.
Dr Atwine assured the public that schools will reopen on schedule but must strictly observe the Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures.