The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region has recognised Uganda for successfully containing the 2026 Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The recognition was marked by the presentation of a certificate to Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi. The certificate commended Uganda for interrupting Ebola transmission and completing 42 consecutive days without recording a new confirmed case. 
WHO attributed the achievement to strong national leadership, the dedication of frontline health workers, active community participation and support from development partners.
Uganda officially declared the outbreak over on July 28, following the discharge of the last patient on June 16. The Ministry of Health reported 20 confirmed cases during the outbreak, with 18 recoveries and two deaths. Of these cases, 15 were imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo, while five Ugandans contracted the virus while caring for infected individuals.
The outbreak recorded a case fatality rate of 10 percent, significantly lower than the 30–50 percent fatality rate seen in previous Bundibugyo Ebola outbreaks in Uganda.
Dr Janabi congratulated Uganda for its effective response, while he and Dr Baryomunsi urged countries that imposed travel restrictions during the outbreak to lift them. Dr Baryomunsi noted that restrictions imposed by the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates were not supported by the outbreak data.
The recognition comes as Uganda continues to monitor Ebola developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Bundibugyo virus infections and deaths continue to be reported. Health authorities have maintained surveillance at border points and called on communities to remain vigilant against possible imported cases.
The Ministry of Health says lessons learned from the 2026 outbreak will help strengthen Uganda’s preparedness and response to future public health emergencies.
