Uganda’s confirmed Ebola cases have increased to five following the detection of three new infections, including a health worker and a driver linked to the country’s first case.
The Ministry of Health said the two Ugandans were already identified among known contacts and had been under close monitoring before testing positive.
Director General of Health Services Prof. Charles Olaro said the driver had transported the index patient, while the health worker was exposed during treatment.
“The two cases were identified from known contacts under follow up,” he said, adding that both are currently receiving care.
The third case involves a Congolese woman who had travelled into Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting continued cross-border risks.
According to the ministry, the woman entered through Arua with mild symptoms and later travelled to Entebbe by chartered flight before seeking treatment at a private hospital in Kampala on May 10.
She was treated and discharged on May 14 after improving, and later returned to the DRC.
However, a follow-up alert from the pilot who transported her prompted health teams to trace her case and retrieve samples, which later tested positive for Ebola.
The new cases have renewed concern about exposure among frontline workers and the movement of people across borders, even as authorities maintain that surveillance systems remain active.
All identified contacts are currently under monitoring, with response teams continuing to track and assess any potential spread.
The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain calm, stay alert, and report any suspected symptoms early, noting that timely treatment improves survival chances.
Uganda has previously managed several Ebola outbreaks, and officials say existing response systems have been strengthened to quickly detect and contain cases.
Efforts are ongoing to reinforce surveillance, contact tracing, and public awareness as the country works to prevent further transmission.
