KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda declared an end to its Ebola outbreak on Saturday, less than three months after the virus was confirmed in the capital.
Health officials reported 14 cases during the outbreak, including 12 confirmed and two probable. Four deaths, two confirmed and two probable, occurred. Ten people recovered. Authorities monitored 534 people who had contact with confirmed and probable cases.
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The last confirmed patient was discharged March 15, triggering a 42-day countdown in line with World Health Organization guidelines to declare the outbreak over.
This was Uganda’s second Ebola outbreak in less than three years. It was confirmed Jan. 30. The country’s experience in managing outbreaks allowed for a swift and coordinated response.
The Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and partners, activated national coordination, deployed rapid response teams, strengthened surveillance, and established treatment units. Border health measures, particularly in Kampala and at entry points, were reinforced to prevent the virus from spreading across borders.
WHO mobilized over 130 national and international staff to assist with case investigation, contact tracing, lab work, and case management. More than 1,500 samples were tested, with WHO providing logistics, training, and quality assurance for biosafety.
The agency also deployed emergency medical teams and anthropologists to help reduce stigma, build trust, and work with communities, which was critical in promoting behavior change.
“This outbreak challenged us in new ways, touching both urban and rural communities amid significant global funding constraints,” said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, acting WHO regional director for Africa. “The response demonstrated Uganda’s long-standing leadership in tackling public health emergencies. WHO is extremely proud to have supported these efforts.”
The Ebola strain in this outbreak was the Sudan virus disease subtype, a severe and often fatal illness affecting humans and primates. Past outbreaks of this strain have killed about 4 in 10 infected people.
While there are no licensed countermeasures against this Ebola species, candidate vaccines are in clinical trials. Uganda launched a randomized clinical trial for vaccine safety and efficacy using ring vaccination within four days of the outbreak declaration. The administration of Remdesivir treatment under a monitored emergency use protocol was also initiated.
“Uganda’s leadership and resilience were crucial in containing this outbreak,” said Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO representative in Uganda. “From day one, WHO worked closely with the Ministry of Health, providing expertise and essential supplies, and ensuring every suspected case was investigated. The people of Uganda have shown extraordinary resolve.”
The Ministry of Health, with continued support from WHO and partners, will continue to invest in surveillance, survivor care, and preparedness to ensure Uganda remains safe.
