Uganda’s Ebola outbreak continues to escalate as health authorities confirm that the number of cases has risen to 12. The ongoing crisis has prompted the government and international health organizations to ramp up response efforts in a bid to contain the virus and prevent further spread.
The outbreak, first detected in January 2025, is caused by the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, which has no approved vaccine. This makes containment efforts even more critical, as medical teams work to isolate and treat infected individuals while closely monitoring potential new cases.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed the latest case on March 5, bringing the total number of infections to 12. The new case involves a four-year-old child who succumbed to the virus at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
Health officials report that most cases are concentrated in the central and western regions of Uganda, with suspected cases under observation in other districts. The government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to strict hygiene measures to curb transmission.
Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Uganda’s Director General of Health Services, stated, “We are working tirelessly to track all possible contacts and isolate suspected cases. The public must cooperate by reporting symptoms and avoiding contact with infected individuals.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively supporting Uganda’s efforts to contain the outbreak. WHO and the United Nations have launched an emergency appeal for $11.2 million to fund response efforts, particularly in light of budget cuts that have affected global health initiatives.
Health teams have been deployed to affected regions, setting up isolation centers and conducting awareness campaigns. Uganda has also initiated an experimental vaccination program targeting high-risk groups, though the effectiveness of the vaccine against the Sudan strain remains uncertain.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of international collaboration, stating, “Containing Ebola requires a coordinated global response. We urge donors and partners to support Uganda in managing this outbreak.”
One of the biggest challenges in controlling the spread of Ebola in Uganda is public resistance to safety protocols. Some communities remain skeptical about government health measures, making it difficult to enforce quarantines and track potential cases.
Additionally, the country’s health infrastructure is under strain due to resource constraints. Health workers have called for additional funding and equipment to ensure they can adequately respond to the outbreak without compromising their own safety.
As Uganda battles to contain the outbreak, health experts stress that early detection and strict containment measures will be key in preventing further escalation. Neighboring countries are on high alert, with border screenings in place to prevent cross-border transmission.
Uganda’s government continues to work alongside international partners to combat the spread, but the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the outbreak can be controlled before it spirals further.
