Congolese Nationals Account for Majority of Ebola Cases Reported in Uganda
A member of Uganda People's Defence Force directs people , after Uganda closed its borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, as authorities intensify efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, at the Mpondwe border post, in Kasese district, Uganda, May 28, 2026. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa
By Skika Reporter.
Congolese nationals account for the majority of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases recorded in Uganda’s latest outbreak, according to data released by the Ministry of Health as authorities intensify efforts to prevent further cross-border transmission.
Health officials say that of the nine confirmed Ebola cases reported in the country so far, at least five involve Congolese nationals who crossed into Uganda seeking medical treatment.
The latest two cases confirmed on May 29 were both Congolese citizens. Health authorities have reported no new infections since then, a development they attribute to intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and border screening measures.
According to the Ministry of Health, the outbreak can be traced to a Congolese woman who entered Uganda for treatment on May 10 and a Congolese man who arrived the following day.
Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services, said the woman travelled from Arua to Entebbe aboard a chartered flight before seeking treatment at a private hospital in Kampala.
“Upon arrival, she travelled from Arua to Entebbe via a chartered flight and sought medical care at a private hospital in Kampala,” Dr. Olaro said.
He explained that the patient received treatment and was discharged in stable condition on May 14 before returning to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Health officials later discovered that medical personnel who attended to her had unknowingly been exposed to the Ebola virus because her condition had not initially been identified as Ebola.
The case came under greater scrutiny following the death of a 59-year-old Congolese man at Kibuli Muslim Hospital in Kampala on May 14. The patient had been admitted on May 11 presenting symptoms including respiratory distress, persistent fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and difficulty passing urine.
According to the Ministry, his condition rapidly deteriorated while in intensive care, and he later died after developing hemorrhagic symptoms. Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed that he had contracted the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease.
The discovery prompted health authorities to revisit the case of the female patient who had earlier been discharged. Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, said samples collected during her treatment were traced and tested, confirming that she had also been infected with Ebola.
The confirmation triggered a large-scale public health response involving contact tracing and quarantine measures. More than 100 healthcare workers and other individuals identified as contacts have since been placed under observation to prevent further transmission.
Some of those quarantined later tested positive, underscoring the risks faced by frontline health workers during the outbreak response.
On May 25, the Ministry announced two additional Ebola cases involving Ugandan healthcare workers employed at a private medical facility in Kampala.
“Both patients have been admitted to the designated treatment unit and are now receiving care. All contacts linked to the confirmed cases are being listed for follow-up by response teams,” Dr. Olaro said.
Health authorities have since intensified infection prevention measures in health facilities across the country, emphasizing the need for healthcare workers to maintain strict adherence to safety protocols regardless of a patient’s diagnosis.
“Infection prevention applies to all staff,” Dr. Olaro said. “Some of the people we quarantined had conducted routine procedures such as ultrasound examinations on patients. We emphasize infection prevention so that healthcare workers can protect themselves, their patients, their families, and their communities.”
The Ministry has also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected Ebola symptoms to health authorities.
“You are advised to immediately report anyone presenting symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease to the nearest health facility,” Dr. Olaro urged.
Health experts note that early detection, isolation, and treatment remain critical in controlling Ebola outbreaks and improving survival rates among patients.
Uganda continues to work closely with regional and international health partners as it responds to the outbreak, which has been linked to ongoing transmission in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Authorities say enhanced border surveillance and community awareness campaigns remain central to efforts aimed at preventing additional imported cases and containing the spread of the virus within Uganda.
