Uganda has discharged its last Ebola patient, leaving the country with no active case of the disease.
The patient had been receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
Ministry of Health spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona announced the development on Thursday. He described it as a major victory for health workers and the country.
“Today is a great day. I am pleased to announce that we have just discharged our last patient of the Ebola disease. I can now confirm that we have no more active Ebola cases,” Ainebyoona said.
“We shall remain vigilant: what now remains is for us to wait for the 42 days before the World Health Organization can fully clear us. We have started the countdown. But that is all a formality. The situation is under control.”
Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases during the outbreak. Two patients died, while 18 recovered after treatment.
Most cases were linked to travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Authorities also recorded infections among contacts and health workers.
Uganda and the DRC declared the outbreak on May 15, 2026. Laboratory tests identified the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
The World Health Organisation later declared the cross-border outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The decision followed a rise in cases and deaths in eastern DRC.
Uganda responded by strengthening screening at border points and health facilities. Response teams isolated suspected patients, tested samples and traced their contacts.
The Ministry of Health tested more than 2,400 people and registered over 800 contacts during the response. All active contacts have completed the required 21-day monitoring period.
Uganda and the DRC also formed a joint cross-border response. The initiative improved surveillance, information sharing and the transfer of suspected patients.
Uganda cannot declare the outbreak over yet. WHO requires affected countries to record no new confirmed case for 42 consecutive days. The period is twice the maximum incubation period for Ebola.
Health workers will continue testing suspected cases, investigating alerts and monitoring border districts during the countdown.
