News of an Ebola outbreak understandably attracts attention, particularly when you are planning a journey to Uganda. But the situation on the ground is considerably more reassuring than the headlines alone might suggest. On 28 July, Uganda was officially declared Ebola-free.2
Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases during its 2026 outbreak, which was linked to an outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Fifteen cases were imported and five were secondary cases linked to those infections. All were recorded in Kampala and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported no community transmission. Eighteen people recovered and two of the confirmed imported cases died.4
Most importantly for travellers, Uganda recorded no new cases after 21 June, and its final Ebola patient recovered and was discharged on 16 July after testing negative twice.1 3 4 The official declaration on 28 July followed confirmation that the source and route of infection had been established, all confirmed cases were epidemiologically linked and contacts had completed follow-up without evidence of further transmission. Enhanced surveillance had also found no unexplained community transmission.2
The outbreak, caused by Bundibugyo virus, was declared in Uganda on 15 May 2026 and linked to the continuing outbreak in the DRC.3 4
The distinction between the two countries is important. Uganda’s cases were contained: 15 of the 20 confirmed cases were imported and the remaining five were linked to those infections. The Ministry reported that the source and route of infection had been established, all confirmed cases were epidemiologically linked and contacts had completed follow-up without evidence of further transmission.2 WHO reported no community transmission in Uganda.4
The outbreak in the DRC remains active, so continued vigilance across the border is important. Uganda has maintained surveillance and preparedness so that any imported case can be identified and managed quickly.3 4
One of the most significant aspects of Uganda’s response is that the systems needed to respond to Ebola were already in place.
Following the declaration of the outbreak, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, supported by WHO and partners, implemented rapid case detection, laboratory testing, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, case management, public communication and cross-border collaboration.3
By 16 July, all 836 identified contacts had been followed up. Surveillance had been strengthened across 36 high-risk districts and at 38 points of entry, while health workers received training, equipment and supplies. Around 70 WHO technical experts also supported the national response.3
Uganda’s previous experience responding to infectious-disease outbreaks proved valuable. The specialised isolation facility at Mulago, where the final patient was treated, was already established and had been used during previous epidemics. Its medical team reported that systems and capacity had been strengthened through successive outbreak responses.1
WHO similarly attributed Uganda’s progress to sustained investment in preparedness before the outbreak, including an established treatment unit and trained and equipped emergency response teams.1
By 28 July, Uganda’s Ministry of Health Ebola portal recorded 20 cumulative confirmed cases, 18 recoveries, two deaths, no current admissions and no active contacts under follow-up.2
Understanding how Ebola spreads helps put the risk into perspective. Bundibugyo virus can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, or through contaminated surfaces and materials. Importantly, an infected person is not infectious until symptoms begin.4
CDC currently advises travellers to Uganda to take enhanced precautions to avoid possible Ebola exposure and to monitor for symptoms while travelling and for 21 days after leaving.6
Practical precautions include avoiding contact with people who are sick, blood and other bodily fluids and potentially contaminated materials. CDC also advises avoiding funeral or burial practices involving touching a body and contact with bats, non-human primates and certain other wildlife in affected areas.5
WHO advised against restrictions on travel to or trade with Uganda in its 17 July outbreak update. 4
For American travellers, there is an additional practical consideration when returning home. CDC currently states that US citizens and nationals who have been in Uganda – but not the DRC – within the previous 21 days must enter the United States through designated airports for enhanced screening.6
Travellers planning to combine Uganda with the DRC should seek current advice before finalising their itinerary, as separate CDC guidance applies.6
For anyone considering a safari in Uganda, the facts today are encouraging. The country contained its outbreak at 20 confirmed cases. There were no new confirmed cases after 21 June, the final patient was discharged on 16 July and no unexplained community transmission was detected.2 3 4 On 28 July, Uganda was officially declared Ebola-free.2
The continuing outbreak across the border means Uganda’s health authorities remain vigilant – but that preparedness is itself an important part of the story. Established treatment facilities, trained emergency teams, surveillance and contact tracing all contributed to containing Uganda’s outbreak.1 2 3
An Ebola headline can sound very different from the epidemiological picture on the ground, particularly when neighbouring countries are discussed together.
At Nziza Hospitality, we believe in addressing concerns openly rather than dismissing them. We monitor official health and travel information so our guests understand what is happening, what it means for their particular journey and whether any additional precautions or travel measures apply.
Guidance can change, and we will continue to follow updates from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, WHO and CDC. If you are considering a safari in Uganda, speak to us about your plans. We’ll help you understand the latest information in the context of your itinerary, so you can make an informed decision about your journey.
[1] Uganda Ministry of Health
Uganda discharges last Ebola patient, begins 42-day countdown towards declaring the outbreak over, 16 July 2026.
Official Ministry announcement covering the final patient’s recovery and discharge, the monitoring period, preparedness and the capabilities of the Mulago isolation facility.
[2] Uganda Ministry of Health – Ebola Updates
Daily Ebola situation reports and official outbreak updates.
Used for the latest Ugandan case figures, recoveries, admissions, contact follow-up, traveller screening, health measures and the Ministry’s 28 July announcement that Uganda was officially Ebola-free.
[3] WHO Regional Office for Africa
Uganda begins countdown to end of Ebola outbreak, 16 July 2026.
Used for the outbreak declaration date, case numbers, last patient discharge, absence of new confirmed cases after 21 June, contact follow-up, surveillance measures and WHO support.
[4] World Health Organization – Disease Outbreak News
Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda, 17 July 2026.
Used for epidemiological information, Uganda’s imported and secondary cases, transmission patterns, mode of transmission, regional context and WHO travel advice.
[5] US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Health Alert Network
Ebola Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, 19 May 2026.
Used for traveller precautions and recommendations for avoiding potential exposure.
[6] US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Ebola Current Situation
Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation, updated 7 August 2026.
Used for current US travel guidance, enhanced precautions for Uganda, post-travel monitoring and US airport screening requirements.