End of Sudan Ebola outbreak in Uganda

MBALE CITY, 26 April 2025 –The Ministry of Health together with the World Health Organisation and other partners have officially declared an end to the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUVD) Outbreak that was confirmed on 30^th January 2025.

The outbreak was confirmed following samples obtained from a 32-year-old male nurse who passed away at Mulago National Referral Hospital. The case had been managed at several facilities in Mulago (Kampala), Matugga, (Wakiso) and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (Mbale City), and by a traditional healer.

This outbreak registered a total of 14 Cumulative cases:  12 confirmed and 2 probable. Sadly, two of the confirmed cases passed away, resulting in Case Fatality Rate of 28.6 per cent.   On a positive note, 10 patients recovered. These were identified from the quarantined contacts following timely and appropriate care.

The outbreak spread across in seven districts and three cities, which included Kampala, Mbale (District and City), Wakiso, Jinja (district and city), Ntoroko, Fort Portal and Kyegegwa.

In her declaration statement to end the eighth Ebola outbreak, the Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero indicated that today marked 87 days since the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak was declared in Uganda.

“Having completed two full incubation cycles (42 days) since the last confirmed case was discharged on March 14^th, 2025, and having recorded no cases amidst sustained surveillance efforts; I now officially declare the current Sudan Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Uganda to be over,” Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero stated.

Dr Aceng also noted that visitors and tourists are welcome to visit the Uganda the Pearl of Africa.

“Uganda’s leadership and resilience were crucial in containing this outbreak,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda, adding that “from day one, WHO worked hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health and partners, deploying expertise, providing essential supplies, and ensuring every suspected case was investigated. The people of Uganda have shown extraordinary resolve.”

"We commend the Government of Uganda for their leading role in successfully ending the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak," stated Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda. He also expressed gratitude to USAID and Sweden for their contributions to UNICEF's support to the Government led SVD response. Dr. Nandy added, "Even as we mark the end of the SVD outbreak, we know that the risk of future outbreaks will remain. Our support to the Ugandan Government will continue, building on our recent experience towards building resilient systems for rapid awareness raising and community engagement efforts and infection prevention and control activities to prevent future outbreaks of communicable diseases and when they do occur, to respond to them expediently."

“This partnership matters deeply—not only for Uganda but also for the American people. We know that outbreaks like Ebola, if left unchecked, can threaten global stability and public health. By acting early and supporting capable partners like Uganda, we are helping to make America and the world safer from the spread of dangerous infectious diseases. We are also strengthening systems that contribute to long-term economic stability and regional security—both of which serve our shared interests” said the United States Ambassador to Uganda, H.E William W. Popp.