Uganda Ebola outbreak worsens as authorities confirm three new cases linked to cross-border infections from DR Congo

Uganda has confirmed three new Ebola cases, raising the total number of infections linked to the current outbreak to five, health authorities announced on Saturday.

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The latest cases involve a Ugandan driver, a Ugandan health worker and a woman from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, which remains the epicentre of the regional Ebola outbreak.

In a statement posted on X, Uganda’s health ministry said efforts were being intensified to contain the virus and prevent further spread.

“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,” the statement said.

The escalating Uganda Ebola outbreak comes amid growing concern across East Africa following warnings from the World Health Organization, which on Friday raised the risk level associated with the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to its highest category.

Authorities in Uganda had earlier confirmed two Ebola-related cases involving Congolese nationals who crossed into the country. The cases included one confirmed infection and one death.

Following the discovery, Uganda on Thursday suspended all public transport routes connecting the country to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a bid to curb cross-border transmission.

Health officials are continuing contact tracing and monitoring operations, particularly in border communities where movement between both countries remains frequent.

The renewed Uganda Ebola outbreak has heightened fears of wider regional transmission, especially given the close trade and transport links between East African nations.

Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and has caused multiple deadly outbreaks across Africa over the years.

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Public health authorities have urged residents to report symptoms early and comply with containment measures as efforts continue to prevent a broader health emergency.