Uganda has initiated efforts to persuade international partners to lift travel restrictions related to Ebola, following the discharge of its final confirmed patient. The release of a Congolese national from Mulago national referral hospital's isolation centre in Kampala on Thursday, 11 July 2026, marked the beginning of a 42-day period required by the World Health Organization (WHO) before Uganda can officially be declared free of the virus, provided no new cases emerge.
Fifteen countries currently maintain either partial or full travel restrictions on Uganda. The Ugandan government argues these measures have severely impacted its tourism, trade, and business sectors, despite what it describes as a largely successful response to the outbreak. Uganda's Health Minister, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, stated the country is actively engaging with these nations to encourage a reopening of travel, thereby mitigating further economic damage.
The outbreak in Uganda recorded 20 confirmed infections and two fatalities. This marks a significantly lower case fatality rate of less than 10%, a stark contrast to the typical 30% or higher observed in previous Ebola outbreaks. Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO's representative in Uganda, attributed this success to sustained investment in epidemic preparedness, including the establishment of treatment facilities, trained emergency medical teams, and pre-positioned medical supplies.
Despite Uganda's progress, the threat of Ebola persists in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC reported 2,073 confirmed cases and 796 deaths as of 14 July 2026, stemming from an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain first declared by the WHO on 17 May 2026. Uganda remains on high alert due to this ongoing situation across its border.
In response to the regional challenge, Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC have agreed to enhanced cross-border cooperation. This includes Uganda dispatching health experts and establishing four laboratories in the DRC to aid containment efforts and discourage Congolese citizens from travelling to Uganda for medical treatment. Scientific efforts to develop vaccines against the Bundibugyo strain have also accelerated, with Uganda participating in experimental therapy trials and planning to join future vaccine studies, including a recent Phase I clinical trial launched by Oxford University.