Uganda has confirmed three new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases, raising the total number of infections in the country to five as health authorities step up surveillance and contact-tracing efforts.

In a press release issued on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Ministry of Health said the new cases include a Ugandan driver who transported the country’s first confirmed Ebola patient and a Ugandan health worker who contracted the virus while caring for the same patient. Both are currently receiving treatment.

The ministry said the two patients were identified from a list of known contacts already under monitoring by response teams.

The third confirmed case involves a Congolese woman who travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Uganda while experiencing mild abdominal symptoms.

According to the ministry, the woman travelled from Arua to Entebbe aboard a chartered flight before seeking treatment at a private hospital in Kampala on May 10, 2026. Doctors later discharged her on May 14, 2026 after her condition improved, and she returned to the DRC.

Health officials said investigations began after the pilot who transported her alerted authorities. Surveillance teams later retrieved a sample, which tested positive for Ebola.

“All contacts linked to the confirmed cases have since been identified and are being closely monitored and followed up by response teams,” the ministry said.

The ministry urged the public to remain calm and continue observing preventive measures, including reporting suspected symptoms early.

“The Ministry of Health urges all members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue observing all recommended preventive measures. Report any suspected Ebola symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility. Early treatment greatly improves chances of survival,” the statement said.

Director General of Health Services Charles Olaro said the government had intensified surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak.

Global agencies heighten vigilance

The latest cases have also drawn international attention, with World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warning that authorities must remain alert to prevent further spread.

“Uganda has today reported three new confirmed cases of Ebola in the country, including a Ugandan health worker, a driver and a Congolese national who travelled from Ituri Province in the neighbouring DRC for medical care,” Tedros said in a statement posted on X.

He noted that the total number of confirmed Ebola cases linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain had now risen to five.

Tedros praised Uganda’s Ministry of Health for its efforts to identify and monitor suspected infections.

“At this critical moment in the outbreak response, it is vital that authorities maintain high vigilance to control expansion of the virus,” he said.

He added that the WHO was working closely with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as authorities in Uganda and the DRC, to support response efforts and contain the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Uganda Airlines has suspended flights to and from Kinshasa with immediate effect following growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak. The airline said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect passengers, crew members and the public.

The United States has also introduced enhanced Ebola screening measures for travellers arriving from Uganda, the DRC and South Sudan.