The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region has recognised Uganda for successfully containing the 2026 Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
The recognition came in the form of a certificate presented to Minister of Health Chris Baryomunsi on Thursday by Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, the WHO Regional Director for Africa.
The certificate commends Uganda for interrupting Ebola transmission and completing 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case.
‘The World Health Organization recognizes the Republic of Uganda for successfully interrupting transmission of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus and completing 42 consecutive days without a reported new confirmed case,’ the certificate reads.
WHO said the achievement reflected national leadership, the commitment of frontline health workers, community engagement and support from development partners.
Uganda declared the end of the outbreak on July 28 after discharging its last patient on June 16.
According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases during the outbreak, of whom 18 recovered and two died.
Fifteen of the cases were imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo, while five Ugandan nationals contracted the virus while caring for imported cases.
The case fatality rate of 10 percent was significantly lower than the 30 to 50 percent fatality rate recorded in previous outbreaks of Ebola Bundibugyo in Uganda.
Dr Janabi congratulated Uganda for successfully interrupting transmission through a response led by the government, with support from communities and partners.
He and Dr Baryomunsi also called on countries that had imposed travel restrictions on Uganda during the outbreak to lift them.
‘The U.S, Canada, UAE, who put travel restrictions, that decision is not backed by science from those figures. It’s out of fear,’ Dr Baryomunsi said.
The WHO recognition comes as Uganda continues to monitor the Ebola situation in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Bundibugyo virus has continued to cause infections and deaths.
Ugandan health authorities have maintained surveillance at border points and urged communities to remain vigilant against possible imported infections.
The ministry says lessons from the 2026 outbreak will continue to inform efforts to strengthen Uganda’s preparedness for future public health emergencies.