Uganda has significantly intensified its efforts to contain the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak by suspending specific non-structured activities deemed high-risk for transmission. These measures target large public gatherings such as music concerts, entertainment shows, cultural festivals, political rallies, marathons, walkathons, and other public recreational events. Additionally, certain border-related social and commercial activities that are likely to attract uncontrolled crowds in the Kampala Metropolitan Area and several high-risk districts have also been halted.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, announced these directives on a Wednesday, emphasizing their aim to minimize opportunities for Ebola transmission linked to large crowds, uncontrolled movement, and close physical interaction. These stringent measures follow resolutions reached during a National Task Force meeting held on May 21, 2026, which was chaired by Vice President Jessica Alupo. The meeting addressed heightened concerns over the spread of Ebola within Kampala Metropolitan Area and identified high-risk border districts, with Dr. Atwine stating, "These measures are intended to minimize opportunities for person-to-person contact that may increase the risk of transmission of Ebola infection in the event of exposure to an infected individual."

The Ministry clarified that these restrictions do not constitute a total ban on all gatherings. Structured official, institutional, and essential gatherings will still be permitted, provided organizers strictly comply with Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Permitted meetings must be held in controlled venues with organized seating arrangements, adequate spacing, proper ventilation, mandatory temperature screening, and accessible handwashing or sanitization facilities. Organizers are also instructed to actively avoid overcrowding, discourage unnecessary mingling, and ensure routine cleaning and disinfection of both venues and sanitation facilities.

Participants attending approved gatherings are required to adhere to specific preventative behaviors, including avoiding physical greetings such as handshakes and hugging, frequently washing or sanitizing their hands, refraining from sharing personal items, and remaining vigilant for Ebola symptoms like fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headache, or unexplained bleeding. Authorities have further directed organizers to designate focal persons responsible for ensuring strict compliance with infection prevention and control measures throughout their events and meetings. Security agencies, Resident District Commissioners, District Health Teams, and local governments have been tasked with enforcing these measures, particularly within high-risk districts and border areas. Individuals or institutions found violating these directives will face enforcement action under the National Public Health Act and Regulations.

The guidelines apply to an extensive list of districts, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi, Mukono, Yumbe, Koboko, Maracha, Arua, Obongi, Madi-Okollo, Zombo, Pakwach, Nebbi, Lamwo, Buliisa, Hoima, Kikuube, Kagadi, Ntoroko, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Fort Portal City, Bundibugyo, Kasese, Kanungu, Kisoro, and Kiryandongo.

Uganda's confirmed Ebola caseload has risen to seven. The two latest confirmed cases are Ugandan health workers attached to a private health facility in Kampala, both admitted to a designated Ebola treatment unit for specialized medical care. Response teams immediately launched comprehensive contact tracing and follow-up monitoring. Other confirmed infections include two Ugandan nationals and one Congolese citizen linked to Uganda's earlier transmission chain, specifically a Ugandan driver and a Ugandan health worker exposed while caring for the country's first confirmed Ebola patient. These Ugandan patients were identified through ongoing contact tracing among known contacts already under close surveillance and were promptly isolated for treatment.

A particularly concerning case involved a Congolese woman residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo who entered Uganda while experiencing mild abdominal symptoms. She traveled from Arua to Entebbe aboard a chartered flight before seeking treatment at a private hospital in Kampala on May 10. Discharged in stable condition on May 14, she returned to the DRC. Health officials later traced her following a tip-off from the pilot who transported her, with subsequent samples confirming she had tested positive for Ebola Virus Disease.

In response to the evolving outbreak, Uganda has introduced additional precautionary interventions aimed at limiting cross-border transmission and community spread. Authorities have suspended flights, border transport activities, and weekly markets in high-risk border districts following confirmation of imported Ebola cases linked to eastern DRC. Uganda Airlines also announced the temporary suspension of Entebbe-Kinshasa flights effective May 23, 2026, citing ongoing public health interventions and safety concerns. This follows a previous imported Ebola case involving a Congolese national who died at Kibuli Hospital after entering Uganda, though another patient linked to the same chain reportedly recovered.

The escalating outbreak has garnered significant international attention, with the World Health Organization declaring the situation an international public health emergency. The United States Embassy in Kampala has also temporarily suspended visa operations in Uganda as a precautionary measure. President Museveni has announced additional public health measures, including the cancellation of this year's Martyrs Day celebrations, to minimize transmission risk. The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and issue further guidance, urging full cooperation from the public and all stakeholders in surveillance, testing, contact tracing, and public sensitization campaigns across affected and high-risk districts.