Country tries to avoid new outbreak through partnership with WHO with tracking and case management actions
The Ugandan Ministry of Health confirmed this Saturday (May 23, 2026) 3 more cases of Ebola, bringing the total number of infections in the current outbreak to 5. Authorities have stepped up contact tracing and containment measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Two of the newly infected people were already under monitoring due to having had direct contact with the 1st confirmed case. They are a driver who transported the initial patient and a healthcare professional who participated in the hospital care. Both are still undergoing treatment.
The 3rd case involves a Congolese woman residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She entered Uganda with mild symptoms and circulated in the cities of Arua and Entebbe before seeking care in Kampala, where she was initially treated and released in good condition. Days later, after a warning from a pilot involved in its air transport, samples collected tested positive for Ebola.
According to the Ugandan government, all identified contacts are being monitored by epidemiological surveillance teams. The Ministry of Health states that it has reinforced tracking, case management and risk communication actions.
Authorities asked the population to remain calm, but reinforced the importance of seeking immediate care in case of suspicious symptoms. The government also declared that early detection increases the chances of survival and is essential to contain the spread of the disease.
Uganda, which has faced previous Ebola outbreaks, maintains active emergency protocols to try to prevent the virus from spreading. According to Mohamed Janabi, regional director for Africa for the WHO (World Health Organization), the organization works together with the local government to contain the outbreak.
Here is the full statement from the Ugandan Ministry of Health:
“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that three new cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have been confirmed in the country,
bringing the total number of confirmed cases to five (5).
“The 3 new confirmed cases are as follows:
- A Ugandan driver who transported the first confirmed case in the country.
He is currently receiving treatment; - A Ugandan healthcare worker who was exposed to the virus while caring for the country’s first confirmed case. She is also currently receiving treatment. The two cases were identified from known contacts undergoing follow-up;
- A Congolese woman, resident in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The patient entered Uganda from the DRC with mild abdominal symptoms. Upon arrival, she traveled from Arua to Entebbe on a chartered flight and sought medical attention on 10 May 2026 at a private hospital in Kampala. She was initially treated and discharged in good condition on May 14, 2026, after which she returned to DRC. Subsequently, the Ministry of Health received a report from the pilot who had transported her by air, which led to more in-depth monitoring by surveillance teams. A sample was collected and tested for the Ebola Virus, with results subsequently positive. All contacts linked to confirmed cases have been identified and are being closely monitored and followed up by response teams.
The Ministry of Health urges all members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and continue to observe all recommended preventative measures. Report any suspected symptoms of Ebola immediately to the nearest healthcare facility. Early treatment greatly increases the chances of survival. The Ministry continues to strengthen surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public awareness efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the health and safety of all Ugandans.”
