KAMPALA — Uganda’s successful containment of the latest Ebola outbreak has been attributed to early detection, strengthened preparedness systems and coordinated efforts by health workers, communities and development partners, following the recovery and discharge of the last patient.
The Ministry of Health on Thursday, July 16, 2026, announced that the final Ebola patient had been discharged from the Mulago National Referral Isolation Centre, marking a significant step towards ending the outbreak.
The patient, a Congolese national who travelled to Uganda after developing Ebola-like symptoms while in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recovered fully after receiving treatment and will now continue with community reintegration.
Health authorities said Uganda has now entered the mandatory 42-day countdown period required before the country can officially declare the outbreak over in accordance with international guidelines.
Early Treatment Improves Survival
Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi described the patient’s recovery as a demonstration of Uganda’s ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies.
He said the country’s response showed that Ebola can be contained when cases are identified early, and patients receive timely care.
“It has been two months since this outbreak was declared, and today we are celebrating the discharge of the last patient. This is indeed a moment of joy. It demonstrates that with early detection, prompt treatment and a strong health system, Ebola can be defeated,” Baryomunsi said.
The Minister revealed that Uganda recorded a 10 percent Case Fatality Rate (CFR) during the outbreak, which he described as one of the lowest recorded during outbreaks involving the Bundibugyo Ebola strain.
He urged people to seek medical attention immediately whenever they develop symptoms, saying early reporting increases the chances of recovery.
“If you develop symptoms and report to a health facility early, your chances of recovery are significantly improved. Early reporting saves lives,” he said.
Mulago Isolation Centre Strengthens Response Capacity
The Head of the Medical Team at the Mulago Ebola Treatment Unit, Dr David Kaggwa, said the outcome reflects Uganda’s growing experience in managing highly infectious diseases.
He said the 80-bed specialised isolation facility has been improved through lessons learned from previous outbreaks and is supported by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, laboratory experts, nutritionists and psychosocial specialists.
“This is the third time this unit has been used during an epidemic. We have continuously improved our systems and our capacity, and that is reflected in the better outcomes we are seeing today,” Dr Kaggwa said.
He explained that while there is no specific treatment for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, patients received comprehensive supportive care alongside medicines administered under compassionate use arrangements.
WHO Highlights Importance of Preparedness
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative to Uganda, Dr Kasonde Mwinga, said the successful response was a result of investments made before the outbreak occurred.
He said having trained teams, functioning facilities and emergency response systems already in place helped Uganda respond quickly.
“This treatment unit existed before the outbreak, and emergency response teams had already been trained and equipped. The progress we are witnessing today is the result of years of preparedness. The more we prepare, the more lives we save,” Dr Mwinga said.
Uganda Recorded 20 Confirmed Cases
According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed Ebola cases during the outbreak.
Of these, 15 cases were imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo, while five were contacts of confirmed cases who had already been identified and placed under institutional quarantine.
Two patients died during the outbreak, both Congolese nationals who sought medical care after developing advanced symptoms.
The Ministry said the response was supported by early detection, laboratory testing, contact tracing, case management, community awareness campaigns and strengthened surveillance, particularly along Uganda’s borders with the DRC.
Surveillance Continues During Countdown
Although the last patient has recovered, health authorities warned that the outbreak is not yet officially over.
Dr Baryomunsi said surveillance activities will continue during the 42-day period, including monitoring at points of entry and in high-risk districts.
The Ministry is also continuing to monitor Ebola developments in the DRC, where transmission remains a concern.
On travel restrictions imposed by some countries during the outbreak, Baryomunsi said the government had started engaging affected countries to restore normal travel and trade relations as Uganda demonstrates progress in controlling the disease.
The Ministry thanked health workers, communities, media, partners and the public for their cooperation, saying the response demonstrated that collective action and preparedness remain critical in protecting communities from infectious disease outbreaks.