Uganda: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Bundibugyo (Ebola) — cross‑border importation, Uganda declared free but regional spread continues
Uganda declared its Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak over on 28 July 2026 after the last patient was discharged and no further local transmission was detected; the Ministry of Health published the declaration. Ministry of Health press statement. However, the wider outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remained active through October, and WHO and regional partners reported exported/imported cases to neighbouring countries (including cases later detected in Kenya and an imported case reported in Nigeria in October 2026). WHO Disease Outbreak News (Oct 2026). Uganda’s national review and operational reports describe a small number of imported cases and limited secondary transmission in May–July 2026 and explain the country’s preparedness steps. Early Action Review (Emerging Infectious Diseases, CDC). Why it matters to travellers: although Uganda has reported no ongoing local transmission since July, the region remains active and several countries have investigated imported cases linked to travel through or from Uganda; public‑health authorities have maintained entry/exit screening and traveller reporting measures. Uganda Ministry of Health: traveller arrival declaration.
Official change: yellow‑fever vaccination certificate no longer mandatory for entry (Oct 2, 2026)
Uganda’s immigration authority posted an official notice on 2 October 2026 stating that a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is no longer a mandatory requirement for entry into Uganda. National Citizenship & Immigration Control (NCIC) notice, Oct 2, 2026. Why it matters to travellers: this is an official national policy change for entry to Uganda, but some airlines or destination countries may still require evidence of yellow‑fever vaccination for boarding or for onward travel—check your carrier and the entry rules of your next country. UK Foreign Travel Advice (summary of entry requirements).
Measles–rubella activity and national catch‑up campaign (1–5 Oct 2026)
The Ministry of Health ran a nationwide Measles–Rubella catch‑up campaign from 1–5 October 2026 after multiple district outbreaks and immunity gaps; the ministry reported the campaign exceeded national targets. Ministry of Health press statement (7 Oct 2026). WHO Regional Office for Africa describes the campaign and the ongoing district‑level responses triggered since mid‑2026. WHO/AFRO report. Why it matters to travellers: measles poses a risk to unvaccinated children and susceptible adults; travellers with young children should confirm routine immunizations are up to date and check local vaccination guidance and outbreak notices before travel.
Crimean‑Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) — two confirmed cases, Yumbe District (Aug 2026)
In early August 2026 local health officials reported two confirmed CCHF cases (one fatal) in Yumbe District in northern Uganda; district authorities heightened surveillance and began contact tracing. Monitor (Uganda), 7 Aug 2026. The UK outbreak monitoring summary also recorded these media‑reported cases and noted Uganda reports sporadic CCHF annually. GOV.UK weekly monitoring (week ending 9 Aug 2026). Why it matters to travellers: CCHF is a tick‑borne and animal‑associated viral hemorrhagic fever; travellers working with livestock or visiting rural animal markets or abattoirs should be aware of risk and follow local public‑health advice; authorities in affected districts implemented surveillance and case‑management measures.
Rabies — ongoing animal‑bite burden and local vaccination drives (mid‑2026 to Oct 2026)
Uganda has continued targeted dog‑vaccination drives and awareness during World Rabies Week 2026 and district campaigns (for example a mass rabies vaccination drive launched in Jinja in July 2026), reflecting an ongoing burden of animal‑bite exposures. New Vision (Jinja campaign, July 2026). Why it matters to travellers: animal bites are common in some districts; travellers should avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and seek prompt local medical care for any bite or scratch because post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is time‑sensitive and availability varies.
These reports are a dated snapshot (sources checked 27 October 2026). Conditions and entry or screening measures can change quickly; check the Uganda Ministry of Health, national immigration authorities, WHO situation reports, and your airline or country‑of‑return travel advice for updates before travel.