Uganda has not recorded any domestic transmission of Ebola following the confirmation of two imported cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, announced the development on Thursday during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre. Dr. Atwine confirmed that while one of the infected Congolese nationals passed away, the second patient has tested negative for the virus twice. The negative laboratory results, returned on May 18 and May 20, indicate steady recovery. Medical teams have confirmed that both cases involved the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola Virus Disease.
The government has activated emergency containment protocols to completely block the virus from spreading into local communities. The Vice President chairs the National Task Force currently overseeing these active public health measures. Medical surveillance teams have successfully tracked down 127 contacts related to the imported cases. Health officials have placed all identified contacts under strict institutional quarantine to monitor their health status.
“Government has activated robust preparedness and response measures under the National Task Force chaired by the Vice President to prevent further spread of the disease,” Dr. Atwine stated.
The Ministry of Health has implemented aggressive border control measures to minimize further cross-border importation risks. Authorities have temporarily suspended selected transit activities and weekly markets in border sub-counties. Security forces have also stepped up border patrols while the state restricts large public gatherings in sensitive boundary zones. Additionally, emergency teams have upgraded screening and isolation capacities at all major entry points.
Dr. Atwine assured the public that the current health protocols will keep the general population safe. She confirmed that schools will reopen according to the pre-existing national academic calendar. However, educational institutions must enforce standard operating procedures, including handwashing and temperature checks. The Ministry of Health urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant against potential symptoms.
