Story
19 May 2026
Ebola Response Action Taken by the UN in Uganda
On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Health of Uganda confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country. So far there are two confirmed cases; one of whom has died, a national of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on 14 May 2026. These are cases linked to the outbreak in the DRC. The country has not yet confirmed a local case. A total of 127 contacts have been listed and are being followed up.
Under the leadership and coordination of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Leonard Zulu, United Nations agencies and NGO partners in Uganda, have activated a coordinated, systemwide humanitarian response to support the Government-led efforts in mitigating the impact of the outbreak. The United Nations Country Team has already repurposed US $3.5 million of available funds and are mobilizing additional resources and expertise to provide immediate life-saving assistance, technical, logistical, and operational support. With technical guidance from WHO and other health partners, efforts are focused on early case detection and management, risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, among other measures to ensure a rapid and effective response. Contact tracing and community surveillance are paramount due to the cross-border nature of the outbreak. Food, personal protective equipment, medical supplies and logistics for affected people and first responder health workers have also been prioritized.
The United Nations and partners remain steadfast in their commitment to walk the journey with the Government and people of Uganda to provide an effective and sustained response that prioritizes saving lives and preventing further spread of the disease. The Government of Uganda, providing the overall leadership and coordination, has rolled out the national response plan that we are all implementing.
Under the leadership and coordination of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Leonard Zulu, United Nations agencies and NGO partners in Uganda, have activated a coordinated, systemwide humanitarian response to support the Government-led efforts in mitigating the impact of the outbreak. The United Nations Country Team has already repurposed US $3.5 million of available funds and are mobilizing additional resources and expertise to provide immediate life-saving assistance, technical, logistical, and operational support. With technical guidance from WHO and other health partners, efforts are focused on early case detection and management, risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, among other measures to ensure a rapid and effective response. Contact tracing and community surveillance are paramount due to the cross-border nature of the outbreak. Food, personal protective equipment, medical supplies and logistics for affected people and first responder health workers have also been prioritized.
The United Nations and partners remain steadfast in their commitment to walk the journey with the Government and people of Uganda to provide an effective and sustained response that prioritizes saving lives and preventing further spread of the disease. The Government of Uganda, providing the overall leadership and coordination, has rolled out the national response plan that we are all implementing.
