Uganda has officially been declared Ebola-free after going 42 days without recording a new case, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday.

The WHO said the country reached the milestone after the last confirmed imported Ebola patient was discharged on July 16, 2026. No further transmission linked to that case was documented, bringing the outbreak to an end.

Uganda was praised for the measures taken to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading more widely. The WHO commended the government, health workers and their partners for their efforts during the outbreak.

The East African country recorded a total of 20 Ebola cases, with almost all involving people who had travelled from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Two people died during the outbreak.

The situation in the DRC has been far more severe, with the outbreak continuing to place significant pressure on health facilities, particularly in the eastern part of the country.

More than 5,600 confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded in the DRC since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to the information provided. More than 2,700 deaths have also been reported.

The outbreak is considered the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak on record.

Uganda’s declaration as Ebola-free marks the end of its outbreak following weeks of monitoring and containment efforts. The country’s response focused on preventing imported cases from leading to wider community transmission.

The WHO said the absence of documented onward transmission following the final confirmed case was a key factor in declaring the outbreak over.

While Uganda has now been declared Ebola-free, the outbreak in neighbouring DRC remains a major public health concern, with thousands of confirmed infections and deaths reported since it began.

The WHO’s announcement highlights the role of health workers, government authorities and partner organisations in containing Uganda’s outbreak and preventing further spread within the country.