Uganda has discharged the last Ebola patient from the Mulago National Referral Isolation Centre, marking a major milestone in the country’s response to the outbreak and triggering the start of the mandatory 42-day countdown before the disease can officially be declared over.
The patient, a Congolese national who sought treatment in Uganda after developing Ebola-like symptoms in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), fully recovered and was discharged on Thursday by the Minister of Health, Dr Chris Baryomunsi. Health officials said he will continue recovery and reintegrate into the community under medical guidance.
Despite the development, authorities stressed that the outbreak is not yet over, with the country now under heightened surveillance in line with international protocols requiring 42 consecutive days without a new case.
Speaking at the discharge ceremony, Baryomunsi described the moment as a significant step in the fight against Ebola, crediting early detection, prompt treatment and a coordinated national response.
“It has been two months since this outbreak was declared, and today we are celebrating the discharge of the last patient. This demonstrates that with early detection, prompt treatment and a strong health system, Ebola can be defeated,” he said.
The minister revealed that Uganda registered a Case Fatality Rate of 10 per cent during the outbreak, one of the lowest recorded for Ebola, particularly the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the current infections.
He emphasised that early reporting of symptoms remains critical in improving survival chances, urging the public to seek immediate medical attention.
“If you develop symptoms and report to a health facility early, your chances of recovery are significantly improved. Early reporting saves lives,” he said.
Uganda recorded a total of 20 confirmed Ebola cases, of which 15 were imported from the DRC while five were contacts already identified and placed under quarantine, limiting community transmission.
Two patients, both Congolese nationals, died after seeking treatment at an advanced stage of illness.
Baryomunsi commended frontline health workers, surveillance teams, laboratory personnel and partners for their role in containing the outbreak, describing the response as a collective national effort.
“This achievement belongs to our health workers, technical teams, partners and the people of Uganda who worked together to stop the spread of the disease,” he said.
He, however, cautioned the public against complacency, explaining that Ebola’s incubation period can last up to 21 days, requiring strict monitoring before the outbreak can be declared over.
“If no new case is detected, we shall complete the 42-day countdown in line with international guidelines before declaring the outbreak over,” he added.
Government has also maintained surveillance and preparedness measures, particularly at border points and in high-risk districts, amid ongoing transmission in the DRC.
On travel restrictions imposed during the outbreak, the minister said engagements with affected countries had commenced to restore normal travel and trade.
Dr David Kaggwa, head of the medical team at the Mulago Ebola Treatment Unit, said the discharge reflects Uganda’s growing capacity to manage infectious disease outbreaks.
He noted that the 80-bed isolation facility, staffed by multidisciplinary teams, has been strengthened over successive outbreaks, leading to improved outcomes.
“This is the third time this unit has been used during an epidemic. We have continuously improved our systems and capacity, and that is reflected in the better outcomes we are seeing today,” he said.
Kaggwa added that although there is no specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain, patients received comprehensive supportive care and medicines under compassionate use protocols, contributing to recovery.
The World Health Organization country representative, Dr Kasonde Mwinga, attributed the success to long-term investment in preparedness.
“This treatment unit existed before the outbreak, and emergency teams had already been trained and equipped. The progress we are witnessing is the result of years of preparedness,” she said.
Director General of Health Services, Prof Charles Olaro, praised health workers for maintaining strict infection prevention and control measures, ensuring their safety while delivering care.
Uganda’s response strategy focused on early detection, rapid testing, contact tracing, case management, risk communication and community engagement, alongside strengthened cross-border surveillance.
The Ministry of Health thanked Ugandans, health workers, communities, partners and the media for their cooperation and vigilance in containing the outbreak.
