Ministry of Health and WHO collaborate with Kampala capital city leadership to strengthen Ebola responseThe Ministry of Health (MOH), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a meeting with the top leadership of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to discuss ways of strengthening the Ebola outbreak response in Uganda’s capital.
MOH declared an Ebola outbreak in the country on 30 January 2025 with the first case being in Kampala city. Since then, 12 confirmed and two probable cases have been registered. Of these, 10 were reported in Kampala City. The outbreak has spread to Wakiso, Jinja, Mbale, Ntoroko, Fort Portal, and Kyegegwa. Ten of the 12 confirmed cases have recovered after receiving supportive treatment while two cases succumbed to the virus.
Kampala, with a huge urban population and complex mobility patterns, remains one of the most-at-risk areas in the country necessitating heightened response activities.
In her remarks, Health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero urged the capital city leadership to own the response in Kampala, since they fully understand the context, and dynamics more than anyone else. She requested them to use their positions to reach out to the communities.
“Ending this outbreak will require leaders in Kampala to ensure that everybody is knowledgeable about Ebola, how it spreads and how it can be prevented,” said Dr Aceng. She also urged leaders to remain vigilant against other public health threats, including mpox.
The minister also emphasized prioritizing infection prevention and control measures especially in the health facilities. The health workers, she observed, must always protect themselves whether there is an outbreak or not.
Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City Authority and metropolitan affairs pledged effective leadership of the Ebola response in the city by the leaders. He urged leaders at all levels in the city to work closely with their communities in response to the outbreak.
The WHO Representative, Dr Kasonde Mwinga, speaking on behalf of partners, applauded the Government of Uganda for effectively leading the Ebola response efforts thus far. Commendable actions include: immediate declaration of the outbreak, rapid interventions including a vaccination trial, and quality management of cases leading to their discharge among others.
“I urge all the stakeholders to rally behind these efforts to have a single response, especially at a time when efficiencies are key in implementation of efforts. In addition, this strengthens the health system that remains to serve the population after the outbreak,” said Dr Mwinga.
The Ministry of Health has embarked on a 42-day countdown to the end of the current Ebola outbreak following the recovery and discharge of the last confirmed case. During this time, active surveillance, strengthening infection prevention and control, public awareness creation and risk communication, and vaccination of contacts of confirmed cases will continue until the outbreak is declared over.
WHO continues to support Uganda’s national and district-level preparedness and response efforts, ensuring a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to end the outbreak.
