World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has praised Uganda’s response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, describing it as “prompt and capable.”
Dr Tedros said he was confident the outbreak could be brought under control if Uganda and its neighbours continue working together.
He arrived in Uganda on Monday, June 8, 2026, after an assessment tour in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC is battling a larger outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
Border screening helps detect cases
In a statement on X, Dr Tedros said Uganda’s border screening measures had helped detect and manage cases linked to the outbreak in the DRC.
“The country’s surveillance, testing, and case management systems are doing steady work,” Dr Tedros posted.
He added that WHO and the Africa CDC are supporting the government-led response.
His comments come as Uganda continues to manage cross-border health risks from the DRC, where the outbreak has placed pressure on regional disease surveillance systems.
Uganda records 19 confirmed cases
According to a weekend situation report from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the country had registered 19 confirmed Ebola cases as of June 6, 2026.
Health officials reported zero new cases in the latest specific update. This suggests that containment measures are beginning to show positive results.
Of the 19 confirmed cases, 14 were imported from the DRC. Five cases involved Ugandan nationals.
The ministry said 13 patients remain under medical care. Four patients have been discharged after recovery.
Two deaths have been recorded so far. Both deaths involved imported cases.
Ministry says outbreak remains managed
Despite the cross-border nature of the outbreak, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has reassured the public that the situation remains under control.
The ministry has also maintained that the country is safe.
Dr Tedros echoed that message while extending condolences to the families that lost loved ones.
He said strong leadership, partnership and cross-border trust remain critical to ending the regional threat.
Uganda’s response now depends on continued surveillance, timely testing, case management and cooperation with regional health authorities.
