Full Breakdown
WHO Declares Uganda Ebola-Free While the Outbreak Rages Across the Democratic Republic of Congo
8/28/2026, 3:07:40 AM
Uganda’s Ebola Clearance: Core Facts
- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Uganda’s Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak is over after 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case, meeting the benchmark of twice the maximum incubation period.
- Uganda recorded 20 confirmed infections, two deaths, and 18 recoveries. The last patient was discharged on July 16, and the government declared the outbreak over on July 28.
- WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus praised Uganda’s response, noting decisive leadership and rapid community engagement.
DRC Outbreak Escalates
- In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Bundibugyo outbreak continues to expand. Reported figures vary: the government cited more than 5,600 cases and over 2,700 deaths as of August 25; Al Jazeera reported 5,656 cases and 2,715 deaths; RT listed 5,713 cases and 2,744 deaths.
- The epidemic is centered in Ituri province, with over 4,700 infections there, and has spread to six provinces, affecting 58 health zones.
Data & Statistics
| Metric | Uganda | DRC (range) |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed cases | 20 | 5,514 – 5,713 |
| Deaths | 2 | 2,642 – 2,744 |
| Recoveries | 18 | ~1,200 (reported) |
| Contacts monitored | >800 | – |
| Funding gap for DRC response | – | $30 million |
| Health zones affected (DRC) | – | 58 |
Official Statements & Responses
- WHO: Dr Belizaire said the virus shows no sign of mutation and highlighted the urgent need for $30 million for logistics and PPE in the worst-hit areas. She urged nations that imposed travel restrictions to lift them.
- Ken Akiiri, undersecretary for Uganda’s Health Ministry, said, “When you are vulnerable and you have littler resources, you are supposed to raise an alarm for help.”
On-the-Ground Reports
- Lilly John, a resident of the border town Ezo, said, “We are just hearing that there is a disease. We must be careful, but we understand Ebola not here yet.”
- Brian Assimwe, a WHO epidemiologist, added, “We are visiting to ensure that whoever is crossing from DRC is screened and whoever is leaving is also screened.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- DRC case and death counts differ across sources, ranging from 5,514 to 5,713 cases and 2,642 to 2,744 deaths. No single source provides a reconciled total, leaving the exact scale uncertain.
- While WHO notes improvements in contact tracing, coverage of screening at the porous Uganda-DRC border remains unclear; only one of three major entry points is reported as actively monitored.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We had assessed the risk, we had assessed the whole chain of transmission and the dynamics of importation of the virus in the country, and we knew that we were free from Ebola,” — Diana Atwine, permanent secretary, Uganda Health Ministry
- “The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the fastest-spreading Ebola epidemic ever recorded,” — Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
What’s Next
- WHO and partners are seeking the $30 million funding gap to maintain logistics, PPE, and laboratory capacity in the DRC.
- Uganda has pledged to open two additional Ebola treatment centres in the DRC, bringing its total support sites to four, and is reviewing a bilateral memorandum on health-security cooperation.
