One Person Succumbs To Ebola In Kampala As Uganda Confirms Outbreak

The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in Uganda following the death of a 59-year-old Congolese national who had been admitted at Kibuli Muslim Hospital in Kampala.

According to a press statement issued on May 15, 2026, the patient was admitted on May 11 after presenting with respiratory distress, fever, epigastric pain, nausea, and difficulty passing urine. Health officials said the patient’s condition deteriorated while under admission and he later died in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on May 14 with bleeding symptoms.

The Ministry revealed that the body was transported back to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the same day of death.

Authorities said Uganda’s Ministry of Health received reports of a suspected Ebola case from public health authorities in the DRC on May 15. Samples earlier collected from the deceased during treatment were tested at the Central Emergency Surveillance and Response Support Laboratory in Wandegeya, where they confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease.

Health officials clarified that the case is considered an imported infection from the DRC and that Uganda has not yet confirmed a local transmission case.

In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has activated emergency response mechanisms across the country. Measures already undertaken include deployment of screening and surveillance teams at official and informal border points, particularly along the western border and major transit routes.

The government has also activated national and district-level response teams in high-risk areas, deployed a mobile laboratory at Bwera Hospital, strengthened isolation arrangements, and intensified infection prevention and risk communication efforts.

Officials further disclosed that one high-risk contact, identified as a close relative of the deceased, has already been isolated while all known contacts linked to the patient are being quarantined.

The Ministry appealed to health workers to maintain a high level of suspicion and strictly observe safety protocols while handling suspected Ebola patients. Private clinics were urged to immediately report any suspected cases to district health authorities.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid physical contact with anyone showing Ebola-like symptoms, maintain hand hygiene, and seek immediate medical attention in case of suspected symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding, fatigue, and chest pain.

The Ministry also warned against unsafe handling of bodies suspected to have Ebola symptoms, emphasizing that burials should only be conducted under supervision of health authorities to prevent further spread of the disease.

For suspected cases, the Ministry urged the public to call the toll-free line 0800-100-066 or send a free SMS to 6767.