HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s Ministry of Health has denied any deaths linked to the latest Ebola outbreak, dismissing widespread reports circulating on social media that suggested new fatalities had been recorded in different parts of the country.
Health officials insisted that while new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases have been confirmed, no additional deaths have occurred beyond the previously reported fatality that marked the beginning of the current outbreak.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern following confirmation of three new Ebola cases, bringing the total number of infections in Uganda to five.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the Ministry said the new 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 under close medical supervision.
According to the Ministry, the two individuals had already been identified as known contacts and were under active follow-up by surveillance teams before eventually testing positive for the virus.
The third confirmed case involves a Congolese woman resident in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who entered Uganda while presenting mild abdominal symptoms.
Health officials explained that the woman traveled from Arua to Entebbe aboard a chartered flight before later seeking treatment at a private hospital in Kampala on May 10, 2026.
“She was initially treated and discharged in good condition on 14th May 2026, after which she traveled back to the DRC,” the Ministry stated.
Authorities said investigations into her case intensified after they received a tip-off from the pilot who had transported her. Surveillance teams later retrieved a sample linked to the patient, which subsequently tested positive for Ebola Virus Disease.
The Ministry emphasized that all contacts associated with the confirmed cases have since been identified and are being monitored closely by health response teams. Officials maintained that the country’s surveillance systems remain active and capable of quickly identifying potential exposures.
Addressing reports alleging additional Ebola-related deaths, Ministry spokespersons urged members of the public to rely only on official updates issued through government communication channels.
“There are currently no new Ebola deaths registered in Uganda. The public should disregard misleading information being shared online,” a health official said.
The latest cases have nevertheless heightened concerns about possible cross-border transmission, especially involving transport workers and healthcare personnel who are considered among the most vulnerable groups during infectious disease outbreaks.
Uganda shares extensive movement corridors with eastern DRC, a region that has experienced repeated Ebola outbreaks over the years. Health experts warn that the movement of people across porous borders increases the risk of transmission if surveillance systems are not strengthened.
Despite the concerns, the Ministry urged the public to remain calm while continuing to observe all recommended preventive measures, including regular handwashing, avoiding physical contact with suspected patients, and reporting symptoms early.
“Report any suspected Ebola symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility. Early treatment greatly improves chances of survival,” the Ministry advised.
Health authorities said they are intensifying surveillance, contact tracing, case management, and public awareness campaigns aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further spread of the virus.
The statement, signed by Prof. Charles Olaro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public health and strengthening outbreak response measures across the country.
Uganda has previously experienced and successfully contained several Ebola outbreaks. Public health experts have often credited the country’s rapid response mechanisms, strong surveillance systems, aggressive contact tracing, and community sensitization campaigns for helping limit transmission and prevent widespread fatalities.
