The Ministry of Health has declared Uganda Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) free, following the discharge of the last patient from Mulago National Referral Hospital on Thursday.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi presented an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) discharge certificate to the survivor at Mulago’s isolation unit, describing the discharge as a major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to contain the outbreak.
“This is the EVD discharge certificate, this certifies that, as of July 16, 2026, the survivor does not present a risk of infecting other persons after testing negative for Ebola virus disease” he said.
He added, “His current state of health does not constitute a danger to the community and can therefore return to his household and professional environment to continue his normal daily activities”.
Min Baryomunsi further revealed that the discharge marks the beginning of the World Health Organization’s mandatory 42-day countdown towards being declared Ebola-free after the last confirmed patient infected with the Bundibugyo strain was discharged.
The health ministry noted that while the discharge is worth celebrating, the population has been urged to stay vigilant.
“If you develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, seek immediate medical care. Early treatment saves lives” the ministry said in a statement on it’s X page.
The ministry of health declared the Ebola outbreak on 15 May 2026 and as of 16 July 2026, 20 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported.
15 cases were the result of importation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and five were locally acquired.
