Kampala, Uganda — The Ministry of Health has officially declared the end of the recent Ebola virus outbreak, less than three months after the first case was confirmed in the capital, Kampala.
The outbreak, confirmed on January 30, 2025, involved 14 cases — 12 confirmed through laboratory tests and two classified as probable. Four deaths occurred — two confirmed and two probable — while 10 patients fully recovered. A total of 534 individuals who had contact with confirmed or probable cases were closely monitored throughout the response.
The last confirmed patient was discharged on March 15, 2025. In line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the Ministry of Health observed a 42-day period without new cases before officially declaring the outbreak over.
This marked Uganda’s second Ebola outbreak in under three years. The country’s previous experience and robust preparedness enabled a swift, coordinated, and effective response. With support from WHO and various partners, the Ministry activated national coordination structures, deployed rapid response teams, and established Ebola treatment units. Surveillance and laboratory systems were enhanced, while border health measures — particularly in Kampala and at key points of entry — were reinforced to prevent cross-border transmission.
WHO mobilized more than 130 national and international personnel to support case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, and patient care. Over 1,500 samples were tested, with WHO providing logistics, training, and quality assurance to ensure biosafety.
To complement the medical response, WHO also facilitated the deployment of Emergency Medical Teams and anthropologists. These teams helped reduce stigma, build trust, and promote behavior change in affected communities.
“This outbreak challenged us in new ways. It touched both urban and rural communities across the country and unfolded against the backdrop of significant global funding constraints,” said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Uganda’s response once again demonstrated its long-standing leadership in tackling public health emergencies. As WHO, we are extremely proud to have supported these efforts every step of the way.”
The outbreak was caused by the Sudan virus disease (SVD), a severe and often fatal strain of Ebola affecting humans and other primates. Historically, SVD has a fatality rate of approximately 40%.
Although no licensed vaccines currently exist for this strain, multiple candidates are in clinical trials. Within four days of the outbreak declaration, Uganda launched a randomized clinical trial using the ring vaccination approach. Additionally, Remdesivir was administered under the Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Experimental Interventions (MEURI) protocol.
“Uganda’s leadership and resilience were crucial in containing this outbreak,” said Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda. “From day one, WHO worked hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health, deploying expertise, providing essential supplies, and ensuring every suspected case was investigated. The people of Uganda have shown extraordinary resolve.”
Although the outbreak is officially over, the Ministry of Health — with ongoing support from WHO and its partners — will continue to invest in surveillance, survivor care, and preparedness to safeguard public health and prevent future outbreaks.
