Government discharges last Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease survivor as Uganda nears end of outbreak

16 July 2026, 12:03 pm

Byamukama Alozious

The Government has discharged the last Ebola survivor from the Mulago National isolation centre at Mulago National Referral Hospital, bringing Uganda a step closer to officially ending the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.

Speaking during the discharge ceremony at the 80-bed Mulago Treatment Unit, the head of the Emergency Medical Team (EMT), Dr. David Kaggwa, said the facility admitted 20 confirmed Ebola patients, of whom 18 recovered and two died most being imported cases

Dr. Kaggwa said there is no approved specific treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease, however the patients received intensive supportive care alongside experimental medicines, which contributed to improved recovery outcomes. He added that the treatment unit also managed 160 suspected Ebola cases, all handled under strict infection prevention and control measures.

Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said the outbreak was declared on 15 May 2026, and by 16 July 2026, Uganda had successfully contained the disease in less than two months.

He said Uganda must now complete the mandatory 42-day countdown after the last confirmed patient tested negative before the country can officially declare the outbreak over.

“Ebola is defeatable,” Dr. Baryomunsi said, commending health workers, surveillance teams, district leaders, security agencies, communities, and development partners for their commitment in bringing the outbreak under control.

The Minister praised partners, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other agencies, for supporting surveillance, laboratory testing, case management, logistics, risk communication, and community engagement throughout the response.

Dr. Baryomunsi said, following the guidance of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the government strengthened border surveillance, health screening at all official entry points, rapid case detection, contact tracing, and public awareness campaigns. He said these interventions helped prevent further spread of the disease while protecting communities.

He added that the outbreak affected several national events, most notably the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on 3 June 2026

 According to the Minister, enhanced health screening and surveillance were introduced to protect thousands of pilgrims, including many who usually travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo, ensuring the annual religious event was conducted safely.

Dr. Baryomunsi further revealed that no health worker at the Mulago Ebola Treatment Unit contracted Ebola, attributing this achievement to strict infection prevention and control measures and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

While celebrating the country’s progress, the Minister cautioned that Uganda remains at risk because of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 2,000 cases and over 700 deaths have been reported. He urged the public to remain vigilant, continue reporting suspected cases promptly, and observe public health guidance until Uganda is officially declared Ebola-free after completing the mandatory 42-day monitoring period.