Uganda confirms three new Ebola cases

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed three new cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to five.

In a press release dated May 23, 2026, the ministry said the latest cases include a Ugandan driver who transported the country’s first confirmed Ebola patient and a Ugandan health worker who was exposed while caring for the same patient. Both are currently receiving treatment.

The ministry said the two cases were identified from known contacts already under follow-up by health authorities.

The third confirmed case involves a Congolese woman who is a resident of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the ministry, the woman entered Uganda from the DRC while experiencing mild abdominal symptoms.

The ministry said the woman travelled from Arua to Entebbe aboard a chartered flight before seeking medical care at a private hospital in Kampala on May 10, 2026. She was reportedly treated and discharged in good condition on May 14 before returning to the DRC.

The Ministry of Health said further follow-up was initiated after authorities received information from the pilot who had airlifted the patient. A sample was later collected and tested for Ebola Virus Disease, with the results returning positive.

“All contacts linked to the confirmed cases have since been identified and are being closely monitored and followed up by response teams,” the ministry said in the statement.

Health authorities urged members of the public to remain calm and continue observing recommended preventive measures as efforts to contain the outbreak continue.

“The Ministry of Health urges all members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue observing all recommended preventive measures. Report any suspected Ebola symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility. Early treatment greatly improves chances of survival,” the statement said.

The ministry said it was continuing to strengthen surveillance, case management, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns aimed at containing the outbreak and protecting public health.

“The Ministry continues to strengthen surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and public awareness efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the health and safety of all Ugandans,” the statement added.

The press release was issued by the Office of the Director General under the Ministry of Health’s Public Relations Unit and signed by Director General Health Services Prof. Charles Olaro.