Health 6 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Assures Public Amidst Reports of Ebola Case Transiting Through Kampala
Ugandan health officials have urged the public to remain calm following confirmation that a Kenyan national, who later died of Ebola, travelled through Kampala en route from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Nairobi. The Ministry of Health has emphasized the country's robust public health systems and ongoing investigations into the matter. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-calls-for-calm-as-kenyan-ebola-patient-passes-through-kampala-5622274
Uganda’s Ministry of Health is appealing for public composure after Kenya’s Ministry of Health reported that an Ebola Virus Disease patient transited through Kampala. The Kenyan national, who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years, traveled by road from the DRC to Kampala before flying to Nairobi on October 3, 2026.
Allan Ssempebwa Kyobe, spokesperson for Uganda’s Ministry of Health, stated that the country’s public health protection systems are strong and capable of handling such epidemic threats. He expressed confidence in the teams that have previously protected Uganda from the virus, assuring that they remain vigilant. This situation arises nearly two months after Uganda declared its own Ebola outbreak over on July 28, though transmission persisted in neighboring DRC.
Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the exact movements of the patient within Uganda and to identify any potential contacts. “The authorities are going to carry out the necessary investigations,” Ssempebwa noted, emphasizing a cautious approach to avoid unnecessary alarm.
According to Kenyan health authorities, the patient presented with symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and bleeding. Despite supportive treatment, the patient passed away on Monday night. Kenya has reported a single positive test out of hundreds of thousands of travelers screened.
Ugandan health authorities are continuing to implement screening measures at border points to prevent any re-introduction of the virus. Officials have previously highlighted the interconnectedness of the region, stating that safety is contingent on controlling the outbreak at its source in the DRC, with which Uganda shares a significant border and ongoing cross-border interactions.