Uganda has confirmed three new Ebola cases, bringing the total number of infections to five, according to a Ministry of Health statement posted on X by the government spokesperson, Alan Kasujja on Saturday (May 23).

The new cases include a driver who transported the country’s first confirmed patient and a health worker who was exposed while caring for that case. Both are receiving treatment and had already been identified as known contacts under follow-up.

A third case involves a Congolese national who travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo into Uganda earlier this month, seeking treatment in Kampala before returning to the DRC. Health officials later traced the case after a tip-off from a pilot who had transported the patient, with testing confirming Ebola infection.

The ministry said all contacts linked to the confirmed cases have been identified and are being closely monitored, as authorities step up surveillance and contact tracing efforts to contain the outbreak.

Uganda urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, calling on anyone displaying symptoms to seek immediate medical care.

Earlier in the week, Uganda suspended public passenger transport with the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing a high risk of Ebola importation due to strong cross-border movement and trade links.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

INTERNET (MAY 23, 2026) (ALAN KASUJJA VIA X - Access all) (MUTE)

1. STATEMENT BY MINISTRY OF HEALTH, POSTED BY UGANDAN GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON, ALAN KASUJJA ON X, UPDATING ON EBOLA OUTBREAK READING (English):

"The Ministry of Health wishes to update the public that three new cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have been confirmed in the country, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to five (5). The three new confirmed cases are as follows:

1. A Ugandan driver who transported the country’s first confirmed case. He is currently receiving treatment.

2. A Ugandan health worker who was exposed to the virus while taking care of the country’s first confirmed case. She is also currently receiving treatment.The two cases were identified from known contacts under follow up.

3. A Congolese woman, a resident of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The patient entered Uganda from the DRC presenting with mild abdominal symptoms. Upon arrival, she travelled from Arua to Entebbe via a chartered flight and sought medical care on 10th May 2026 at a private hospital in Kampala.

She was initially treated and discharged in good condition on 14th May 2026, after which she traveled back to the DRC. Subsequently, the Ministry of Health received a tip-off from the pilot who had airlifted her, prompting further follow-up by surveillance teams. A sample was retrieved and tested for Ebola Virus Disease, with results later returning positive.

All contacts linked to the confirmed cases have since been identified and are being closely monitored and followed up by response teams.

The Ministry of Health urges all members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue observing all recommended preventive measures. Report any suspected Ebola symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility. Early treatment greatly improves chances of survival.

The Ministry continues to strengthen surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and public awareness efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the health and safety of all Ugandans."

2. EXCERPT FROM THE STATEMENT READING (English):

"The Ministry of Health urges all members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue observing all recommended preventive measures. Report any suspected Ebola symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility. Early treatment greatly improves chances of survival. The Ministry continues to strengthen surveillance, case management, contact tracing, and public awareness efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the health and safety of all Ugandans."

KAMPALA, UGANDA (MAY 18, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

3. VARIOUS OF UGANDAN DAILY MONITOR NEWSPAPER HEADLINE READING (English): "Two Ebola cases in Kampala"

KAMPALA, UGANDA (MAY 17, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

4. PEOPLE WALKING ON STREET

5. VEHICLES DRIVING ON HIGHWAY

6. PEOPLE WALKING ON STREET

7. VARIOUS OF TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY

8. PEOPLE WALKING WITHIN MARKET