Ebola Case Confirmed in Uganda, Health Response Activated

The Ministry of Health Uganda has confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the country.

According to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, the case involves a 59-year-old Congolese man who was admitted to Kibuli Muslim Hospital in Kampala on May 11, 2026.

He reportedly presented with respiratory distress, fever, epigastric pain, nausea, and difficulty passing urine. While under care, his condition deteriorated, and he later died on May 14, 2026, in the Intensive Care Unit, with bleeding symptoms.

On Friday, the Ministry received alerts of a suspected Ebola case from public health authorities in the DRC and proceeded to test samples collected from the deceased during treatment.

“The sample was taken for testing at the Central Emergency Surveillance and Response Support Laboratory in Wandegeya, where it was confirmed as Ebola Bundibugyo. This is an imported case from DRC. The country has not yet confirmed a local case,” Atwine said.

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The Ministry has since activated its emergency response system, deploying teams for screening, surveillance, and rapid response at both official and informal border points, particularly along the western border, major transit routes, and pilgrimage corridors.

Response structures have also been activated at national level and in high-risk districts. These include the deployment of a mobile laboratory at Bwera Hospital, strengthened isolation arrangements, infection prevention and control measures, and enhanced risk communication.

All public places have been urged to provide functional handwashing facilities.

For suspected cases, the public is advised to contact the Ministry of Health toll-free line 0800-100-066 or send a free SMS to 6767.