By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially declared Uganda free of Ebola after the country recorded no new case for 42 consecutive days.
The declaration was made on Thursday following Uganda’s successful efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
According to the WHO, the country reached 42 days without a new case after the last confirmed imported Ebola patient was discharged on July 16, 2026.
“Uganda has reached 42 days since the last confirmed imported Ebola case was discharged on 16 July 2026, with no documented onward transmission associated with the case, marking an end to the outbreak,” the WHO said on X.
The organisation praised the Ugandan government, health workers and partner organisations for their strong response to the outbreak.
Uganda recorded 20 Ebola cases and two deaths, with most of the cases involving people who had travelled from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
The WHO said Uganda’s response helped prevent the outbreak from spreading further, particularly as Ebola cases have overwhelmed health facilities in parts of eastern DRC.
The declaration marks a major public health milestone for Uganda and highlights the importance of rapid detection, effective contact tracing and coordinated disease-response measures.
