The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has requested the United States to review and drop temporary Ebola-related entry restrictions on Uganda.
Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya issued the statement on Tuesday following major progress in the East African nation’s public health situation. He noted that Uganda satisfies the criteria for an updated risk assessment based on recent epidemiological data.
Uganda has recorded zero confirmed Ebola cases since 21 June 2026. Furthermore, health authorities have discharged the country's final patient and initiated the standard 42-day post-outbreak countdown.
All 836 identified contacts completed their required surveillance window. Active monitoring remains operational across 36 high-risk districts and 38 border entry points. Laboratory testing, infection control measures, and community surveillance continue uninterrupted throughout the nation.
Dr. Kaseya credited the achievement to strong national leadership, dedicated healthcare workers, and international partnerships.
While neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to battle ongoing transmission, Dr. Kaseya urged global partners to evaluate Uganda independently. He stated that Uganda’s rapid detection and containment capabilities warrant tailored measures rather than blanket travel bans.
The Africa CDC chief encouraged international governments to implement risk-proportionate health protocols. Recommended measures include departure screening, health declarations, and monitoring symptomatic travelers.
He emphasized that nations reporting outbreaks transparently should receive support rather than economic penalties. Such support encourages early reporting and strengthens global health security during future emergencies.
The Africa CDC remains prepared to submit updated surveillance logs to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. CDC. The agency will also facilitate technical meetings and field verification.
“Uganda’s progress deserves recognition,” Dr. Kaseya said. “Vigilance must continue. Every public health decision must remain grounded in science, proportionality and partnership.”
