Uganda Ebola outbreak: 6 new cases push tally to 15, 668 contacts tracked
Synopsis
Uganda's Ebola tally has jumped to 15 with six new infections, all among known contacts — a sign the chain is still active. With 668 contacts under watch and India sending a 43-tonne aid consignment to Africa CDC, the next fortnight will test whether Kampala can repeat its history of quick containment.
Key Takeaways
Uganda confirmed 6 new Ebola cases on 2 June , taking the total to 15 .
12 patients are admitted; 2 have been discharged after recovery.
Authorities are monitoring 668 contacts linked to confirmed cases.
The outbreak was declared in May 2025 after two imported cases, including one death.
India dispatched a 43-tonne second tranche of medical aid to Africa CDC , announced by EAM S.
Uganda has confirmed six new Ebola cases, taking the total number of infections in the ongoing outbreak to 15, the country's Ministry of Health said on Tuesday, 2 June. The fresh cases were detected among contacts of previously confirmed patients in Kampala, as authorities race to contain transmission of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) across the East African nation.
Current case status
According to the ministry's latest update, 12 patients are currently admitted to treatment facilities, while two have been discharged after recovery. Health teams are actively monitoring 668 contacts linked to confirmed cases as part of containment efforts.
How the outbreak began
Uganda declared this Ebola outbreak in May 2025 after confirming two imported cases, including one fatality. It is the latest in a string of EVD flare-ups the country has battled over the past decade, underscoring persistent cross-border transmission risk in the Great Lakes region.
What officials are urging
Charles Olaro, director general of health services at the Ministry of Health, on Monday urged people with Ebola-like symptoms to report to health facilities early, noting that early presentation significantly improves survival odds. Authorities have intensified contact tracing, surveillance, and public awareness campaigns to curb further spread.
India steps up Africa support
In a parallel development, India dispatched the second tranche of medical assistance to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), comprising protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, medicines, and nutritional supplements. The 43-tonne consignment is aimed at strengthening the continent's Ebola response capacities.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the shipment in a post on X, writing, ‘India has dispatched the second tranche of medical assistance to Africa CDC, comprising protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, medicines, and supplements. Confident that this 43 tons consignment will further strengthen public health preparedness and bolster Ebola response capacities across Africa.'
Earlier, on 24 May, India had dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to the Africa CDC.
What's next
With 668 contacts under surveillance, the next two incubation cycles will be critical in determining whether Uganda can contain this outbreak as swiftly as past episodes. Health authorities are expected to issue daily updates as contact tracing widens.
Point of View
But the fact that all six new cases emerged from existing contact lines suggests the chain isn't yet broken. The real risk isn't the case count — it's the 668 contacts and whether surveillance holds in dense urban Kampala. India's 43-tonne shipment to Africa CDC is also a quiet but meaningful play in health diplomacy, pitching New Delhi as a first-responder to the continent at a time when Western aid flows are tightening. Watch the next 21 days closely.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ebola cases has Uganda confirmed in the current outbreak?
Uganda has confirmed 15 Ebola cases in the ongoing outbreak as of 2 June, after six new infections were detected among contacts of previously confirmed patients. Currently, 12 patients are admitted to treatment facilities and two have been discharged after recovery.
When did Uganda declare the latest Ebola outbreak?
Uganda declared the outbreak in May 2025 after confirming two imported cases of Ebola Virus Disease, one of which was fatal. The Ministry of Health has since ramped up contact tracing, surveillance, and public awareness drives.
How many contacts are being monitored?
Health authorities are monitoring 668 contacts linked to the confirmed Ebola cases. Officials have urged anyone with Ebola-like symptoms to report to health facilities early to improve survival chances.
What medical aid has India sent for the Ebola response?
India has dispatched a 43-tonne second tranche of medical assistance to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), including protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, medicines, and nutritional supplements. The first tranche was sent on 24 May, with the latest shipment announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Who is leading Uganda's Ebola response?
Uganda's Ministry of Health is leading the response, with Charles Olaro, director general of health services, serving as a key public-facing official. He has urged early reporting of symptoms and oversight of intensified contact tracing operations.
