Uganda is strengthening its Ebola response after receiving a visit from World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, as authorities continue to manage an outbreak linked to cross-border transmission from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The visit focused on assessing Uganda’s preparedness, improving coordination across borders, and supporting ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the virus in the region.

WHO praises Uganda’s response capacity

During meetings with Uganda’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Tedros praised the country’s rapid response, noting that surveillance, testing, and case management systems are operating steadily despite the ongoing outbreak.

He highlighted that border screening has been effective in detecting imported cases from the DRC, helping prevent wider transmission within Uganda.

Uganda confirms cases linked to DRC

Health officials report that Uganda has confirmed 19 Ebola cases, most of which are linked to individuals entering from the DRC. Of these, the majority are imported cases, while several are Ugandan nationals.

Authorities also confirmed deaths among patients from the DRC and expressed condolences to affected families.

Government expands treatment and testing capacity

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, led by senior officials including Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine and Director General of Health Services Dr. Charles Olaro, held technical discussions with the WHO delegation on outbreak response measures.

The government has deployed health workers to support response efforts and is establishing 50-bed treatment units to improve patient care capacity.

In addition, mobile laboratories in Bwera and Arua have been deployed to strengthen testing and diagnostics, particularly in border regions.

Regional coordination with DRC and partners

Dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in controlling the outbreak, noting that Uganda is also supporting response efforts in the DRC through health worker deployment and shared preparedness measures.

Uganda is working closely with WHO, Africa CDC, and regional partners to reduce cross-border transmission and improve early detection of cases.

Health authorities remain confident that with continued coordination, surveillance, and rapid response measures, the outbreak can be contained.

The WHO reiterated support for Uganda’s efforts, describing the country’s experience in handling Ebola outbreaks as a key strength in the regional response.