Uganda could be declared free of active Bundibugyo Ebola transmission if the country completes the required 42-day monitoring period without a new confirmed infection, health officials have said.
The country has now recorded 11 consecutive days without a new confirmed Ebola case. Officials say this marks a critical stage in the national response, although surveillance remains tight in affected districts and border areas.
Mr Alan Kasujja, the head of communication for Uganda’s Ebola response and Director of the Uganda Media Centre, said the declaration can only come after two full incubation cycles.
“The incubation period for the virus is 21 days, and the standard international requirement to declare an end to an outbreak is twice that period,” Mr. Kasujja explained. “An Ebola-free declaration comes only after the completion of two full incubation cycles, which equals 42 days. With sustained, intensive surveillance in the epicentre districts and across the country, Uganda can be declared free of active Ebola transmission.”
Uganda Reaches Day 11 of Ebola Countdown
Under World Health Organization guidelines, countries must wait 42 days after the last confirmed case before declaring an Ebola outbreak over.
The period allows health teams to rule out hidden transmission. It also gives authorities time to monitor contacts and suspected cases.
Uganda is currently on day 11 of the mandatory countdown. A single confirmed case during this period would restart the clock and delay the declaration.
Health officials say the progress is encouraging but still fragile.
“Our teams are focusing heavily on the affected districts, particularly along the porous border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” Mr. Kasujja added. “We are maintaining strict contact tracing, monitoring suspected cases, and enforcing rigorous screening measures to prevent a resurgence.”
Experts Warn Region Remains Vulnerable
Medical experts say Uganda’s location in the Great Lakes region keeps the country exposed to future Ebola threats.
The Albertine rift and neighbouring areas have experienced repeated outbreaks over several decades. Officials also remain alert because of cross-border movement between Uganda and the DRC.
Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, the Executive Director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute, said the repeated outbreaks show the need for deeper scientific research.
“While a country declares an outbreak over after 42 days, we must remember we sit in a region that has faced many repeated outbreaks, especially our neighbor, the DRC,” Prof. Kaleebu said. “Some of these outbreaks have been small and contained, while others have devastated large populations. If anybody was to do a definitive study on where this virus hides between human outbreaks, it is Uganda and the DRC. We need to do a lot more work and research to better understand this disease and prevent future catastrophes.”
Ministry Warns Against Fake Ebola-Free Certificates
As the outbreak response enters its final phase, the Ministry of Health has warned the public about fraudsters selling fake “Ebola-free” certificates.
The ministry issued the warning on June 15 after receiving reports of individuals and unregistered clinics charging travelers for fake Ebola testing and clearance documents.
The ministry said travelers leaving Uganda do not need Ebola-free certificates for visa applications, airport clearance, or entry into foreign countries.
“The Ministry of Health informs the general public, travelers, recruitment agencies, travel agents, and all stakeholders that travelers departing from Uganda do not require an Ebola-Free Certificate, and such certificates are not a requirement for visa applications to any country,” the official statement read.
Officials said victims had been misled into paying fees after being told the certificates were required for travel, foreign employment, or visa processing.
Dr Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services, said Ebola testing follows strict national health protocols.
He said testing is only carried out for people with symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease or those identified as high-risk contacts of confirmed patients.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudsters claiming to offer Ebola testing or certification services for travel-related purposes,” Dr Olaro stated. “The public should rely strictly on official government communication channels for disease-related guidance.”
Border Screening Strengthened
Uganda has also received additional support to improve screening at Entebbe International Airport and major border points.
The International Organization for Migration recently donated supplies to support the response. The items included advanced thermal scanners, automated hand sanitizer dispensers, and temporary isolation structures.
Officials say the equipment will help manage suspected cases safely during the final monitoring period.
Health experts have also urged the public to remain alert to Ebola symptoms. These include sudden fever, chills, severe headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and sore throat.
Symptoms usually appear between two and 21 days after exposure to an infected person or contaminated body fluids.
