Uganda has discharged 60 people who were identified as contacts of a Kenyan traveller who tested positive for Ebola after completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms or testing positive for the deadly disease. The development has brought relief to health authorities and the public, with Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi confirming that Uganda remains free of confirmed Ebola cases.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on October 25, 2026, Baryomunsi said all the individuals identified through contact tracing had successfully completed the required monitoring period. He commended health workers for their efforts in tracking the contacts, monitoring their health and ensuring that any potential signs of infection could be detected early.
The 60 individuals included personnel working at entry and exit points, hotel employees and transport operators who had interacted with the Kenyan traveller during his movement through Uganda. According to the minister, health authorities reconstructed the traveller’s movements after receiving information that he had tested positive for Ebola in Kenya, enabling them to identify and monitor everyone considered to have been exposed.
Baryomunsi explained that the contacts were placed under close observation for 21 days, the period during which symptoms would be monitored following a possible exposure. He confirmed that none of the individuals developed symptoms or tested positive for the virus, allowing health authorities to discharge them after successfully completing the follow-up period.
The minister also recalled that Uganda had declared an outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola on May 15, 2026, following infections involving nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo who had crossed into Uganda seeking medical treatment. However, he said the coordinated response by health authorities and other partners helped interrupt local transmission, paving the way for Uganda to declare the outbreak over on July 28, 2026. Since then, the country has not recorded another confirmed case, according to the minister.
Despite the positive developments, Baryomunsi warned that continued Ebola transmission in neighbouring DR Congo remains a concern because of the strong trade, travel and family connections between communities across the border. He said Uganda would maintain surveillance, strengthen early detection and continue working with Congolese health teams to support efforts aimed at containing the disease and preventing further cross-border transmission.
The minister also addressed reports concerning a Nigerian woman who tested positive for Ebola after travelling through Uganda. He said investigations were ongoing in collaboration with Nigerian health authorities and international partners to establish her movements, interactions and activities while in Uganda before she travelled to Abuja. Investigators are also examining available genomic sequencing findings, with the ministry expected to communicate further details after the investigations are completed.
Meanwhile, Baryomunsi dismissed reports claiming that Ebola cases and deaths had been confirmed in Kasese and other districts bordering DR Congo. He specifically reassured the public that Kasese had no confirmed Ebola cases or deaths at the time of his statement. He urged Ugandans to remain calm while observing public health guidance, emphasising that surveillance and preparedness measures would continue as authorities closely monitor developments in the region.
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