Health

The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has finalized a highly autonomous corporate governance framework for the UPDF National Referral Hospital. Permanent Secretary Mrs. Rosette Byengoma and Board Chairman Prof. Francis Omaswa stated the model will grant the facility the operational flexibility required to meet global clinical standards.

Uganda has closed its border with the DRC with immediate effect due to an escalating Ebola outbreak. Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo strain, as the National Task Force mandated a 21-day isolation period for all exempted arrivals.

The UPDF and the International Committee of the Red Cross have concluded a specialized legal course to guide soldiers during domestic security deployments. Colonel Henry Buryomunda and ICRC's Mamadou Camara warned officers to prioritize civilian protection and use proportionate force.

Regional health ministers have adopted an urgent 11-point joint action plan at Munyonyo to contain the Ebola outbreak. The cross-border intervention follows an announcement by the Ministry of Health confirming that Uganda's total cases have risen to five, including a local health worker and a driver.

President Museveni has approved an Africa CDC proposal to set up a continental Incident Management Support Team in Kampala to coordinate Ebola containment efforts. Meeting with Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya, the President emphasized that the Bundibugyo strain remains highly manageable through strict public health attention.

Uganda has recorded zero local cases of Ebola after an imported patient tested negative twice, signaling a strong initial containment. The Ministry of Health has quarantined 127 contacts and intensified border screenings to prevent the spread of the Bundibugyo strain.

The Health Ministry has introduced wide-ranging Ebola prevention rules for public spaces as Uganda intensifies efforts to contain the 2026 outbreak.

President Museveni postponed this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations following the Ebola outbreak in Eastern Congo.

The UPDF 3 Infantry Division has held a blood donation drive to replenish the Moroto Blood Bank. The exercise aims to support maternity, pediatric, and accident wards across the nine districts of the Karamoja sub-region.

The UPDF has introduced Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection administered once every six months. Launched at Bombo Military Hospital, the initiative provides a convenient alternative to daily pills to help Uganda end HIV by 2030.