Uganda Confirms Imported Ebola Case After Congolese Patient Dies in Kampala

By Skika Reporter.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an imported case of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus following the death of a Congolese man who had been receiving treatment in Kampala.

In a statement issued on Friday, Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine said the patient, a 59-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was admitted to Kibuli Muslim Hospital on May 11, 2026.

According to the ministry, the man arrived at the facility with symptoms including respiratory distress, fever, nausea, epigastric pain and difficulty passing urine.

His condition later worsened while in the Intensive Care Unit, where he developed bleeding symptoms before dying on May 14.

Dr Atwine said the deceased’s body was transported back to the Democratic Republic of Congo later that evening.

The following day, Ugandan health authorities received an alert from public health officials in DRC regarding a suspected Ebola infection linked to the patient. Samples collected during his treatment were later tested at the Central Emergency Surveillance and Response Support laboratory in Wandegeya.

“The results confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease,” Dr Atwine said, adding that the case was imported from Congo and that Uganda had not yet registered local transmission.

In response, the Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance and emergency preparedness measures across the country, particularly along Uganda’s western border and major transit routes.

Rapid response teams have been deployed to both official and informal border crossing points, while emergency response structures have also been activated in high-risk districts.

Authorities said a mobile laboratory has already been set up at Bwera Hospital to support testing and response activities. Isolation facilities, infection prevention systems and public awareness campaigns have also been strengthened.

The ministry further confirmed that one high-risk contact, identified as a close relative of the deceased, has been isolated, while all other contacts linked to the patient are being traced and quarantined.

Dr Atwine urged health workers to remain vigilant and strictly follow infection prevention protocols, especially in private health facilities.

She also advised the public to avoid direct contact with individuals showing Ebola-like symptoms and to maintain regular handwashing practices.

The ministry warned against contact with bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, urine and stool, which are known to spread the virus.

Health officials further stressed that any suspected Ebola-related deaths should be handled under the supervision of trained medical teams to ensure safe and dignified burials.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report suspected cases through the Ministry of Health’s toll-free line 0800-100-066 or by sending a free SMS to 6767.

Ebola is a severe viral disease spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces or infected animals. Early symptoms commonly include fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea and chest pain, while bleeding may occur in advanced stages.

The Ministry of Health said it remains on high alert and will continue updating the public as response efforts continue.