(Djibouti, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has congratulated Uganda on being officially declared Ebola-free, praising the country's swift and coordinated response that successfully contained the outbreak and prevented further transmission.

In a statement issued from Djibouti on July 29, 2026, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu commended the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Health, frontline health workers, local communities, and development partners for their collective efforts in ending the outbreak.

"The Executive Secretary commends the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Health, frontline health workers, communities, and partners for their swift and coordinated response, which successfully contained the outbreak and prevented further transmission," the regional bloc said.

The declaration marks a significant public health milestone for Uganda, which mounted an aggressive response that included enhanced surveillance, rapid case detection, contact tracing, laboratory testing, treatment, community engagement, and cross-border coordination to halt the spread of the deadly virus.

While celebrating Uganda's achievement, Dr. Gebeyehu cautioned that the country must remain vigilant against future outbreaks. He called on the government to maintain robust disease surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response systems to safeguard public health.

The IGAD chief also emphasized the importance of continued regional cooperation in tackling cross-border public health threats, noting that infectious diseases require coordinated action among neighboring countries.

"While welcoming this important milestone, H.E. Dr. Workneh called on Uganda to sustain strong surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response measures to safeguard against future outbreaks," the statement said.

Uganda's Ebola-free declaration follows weeks of intensive public health interventions led by the Ministry of Health with support from national and international partners.

However, officials say Uganda used her resources to fund the ebola response.

Health authorities have pledged to sustain surveillance and preparedness efforts to ensure the country remains protected against future outbreaks.

The recognition from IGAD adds to growing regional and international praise for Uganda's handling of the outbreak, underscoring the country's role in strengthening health security and emergency response capacity in the region.