KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has discharged the last Ebola patient, marking a major milestone in the country’s response to the outbreak and triggering a 42-day countdown required before the country can officially be declared free of the disease.
The Ministry of Health announced that the final patient, a Congolese national who had been receiving treatment, successfully recovered and was discharged from the Mulago National Isolation Unit on Thursday.
The discharge was officiated by Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Director General of Health Services Prof. Charles Olaro, Under Secretary Kenneth Akiiri, and representatives from partner organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and Africa CDC.
“Today, Uganda has discharged the last Ebola patient, a Congolese national who has successfully recovered and is ready to be with his family,” the Ministry of Health said.
With no remaining active cases, Uganda has now entered the 42-day monitoring period required under international health guidelines. The period represents twice the maximum incubation period of the Ebola virus, and if no new cases are detected, Uganda will officially be declared Ebola-free.
Outbreak Recorded 20 Confirmed Cases
The latest outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
According to health authorities, Uganda recorded 20 confirmed infections, resulting in 18 recoveries and two deaths.
The Ministry credited the successful containment of the outbreak to early detection, rapid response measures, contact tracing, community awareness and cooperation from health workers and communities.
Health authorities said the coordinated response helped prevent wider transmission and reduced the impact of the outbreak.
Health Ministry Urges Continued Vigilance
Although Uganda has cleared all active Ebola cases, the Ministry of Health urged the public to remain alert during the countdown period.
Authorities advised people experiencing symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to seek immediate medical attention.
“While we celebrate this achievement, we urge everyone to remain vigilant. If you develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, seek immediate medical care. Early treatment saves lives,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry also thanked health workers, communities, development partners and Ugandans for their role in controlling the outbreak.
Economic Recovery Expected
The end of active Ebola cases has raised hopes of restoring normal activities in affected communities, including reopening opportunities in education, tourism and local businesses that were disrupted by response measures.
Officials said maintaining vigilance during the 42-day countdown remains critical to ensuring that Uganda achieves official Ebola-free status.
The country’s final declaration will depend on continued surveillance and confirmation that no new infections emerge during the monitoring period.
