GENEVA β The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 16, 2026, following a surge in cases. As of May 17, 2026, Uganda has reported 58 confirmed cases and 20 deaths, with the outbreak centered in the Mubende and Kassanda districts.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the declaration after the second meeting of the Emergency Committee, citing the high risk of regional spread due to the movement of people and the challenges in contact tracing. The outbreak is caused by the Sudan ebolavirus, for which no licensed vaccine is currently available.
Uganda's Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and partners, has deployed rapid response teams, established treatment units, and intensified surveillance. The WHO has released $2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to support the response.
Neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have been urged to enhance preparedness and surveillance. The WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions to Uganda at this time.
