ECSA-HC Health Ministers Commend Uganda’s Swift Response to Ebola Bundibugyo Disease Outbreak

Press Release 

Arusha, 23rd May 2026; The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), through the Health Ministers Conference (HMC), commends the Government of the Republic of Uganda for its swift, decisive and well-coordinated response to the confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo Disease outbreak.

The HMC further congratulates His Excellency the President of Uganda, the Ministry of Health, national and district response teams, frontline health workers, port health officials, community structures and partners for the rapid measures taken to contain the outbreak and protect the population.

Uganda has demonstrated strong emergency preparedness and response capacity. The Government quickly activated national and district response structures, deployed rapid response teams to high-risk districts, intensified surveillance and contact tracing, strengthened screening at Points of Entry, activated laboratory testing and treatment capacity, and scaled up infection prevention, emergency medical services, risk communication and community engagement.

ECSA-HC further recognizes Uganda’s strong coordination through the National Task Force, district task forces, laboratory networks, case management teams, surveillance teams, and risk communication structures. These actions reflect Uganda’s experience, technical capacity and leadership in responding to public health emergencies.

In support of the Ministry of Health, Uganda, ECSA-HC works with Uganda teams by providing technical assistance for the urgent rollout of the Digital Point of Entry Health Screening System. This support includes training of national trainers and port health staff, deployment of the production mobile application, real-time dashboard monitoring, and strengthening of digital traveler screening across designated Points of Entry. Early results show live screening data already flowing through the system, supporting timely detection, reporting and response.

ECSA-HC is also working with Uganda and neighboring countries to strengthen cross-border preparedness, and coordination. Current efforts include joint technical engagements, harmonization of cross-border procedures, enhanced surveillance and screening, referral coordination, resource and contact mapping, and tabletop simulation exercises at strategic border areas involving Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi.

The HMC emphasizes that Ebola and other public health threats do not respect borders, and that regional solidarity remains essential for effective preparedness, response and recovery.

“ECSA-HC expresses full confidence in the measures being implemented by the Government of Uganda. We commend the courage and professionalism of all frontline teams and reaffirm that ECSA-HC Member States stand ready to support Uganda at any time, should additional assistance be required.”Said, Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula (MP), Chairperson, Health Ministers Conference, ECSA-HC

ECSA-HC remains committed to supporting Uganda and all Member States to strengthen preparedness, surveillance, cross-border collaboration, digital health screening, rapid response and regional health security.

Issued by:

Hon. Mduduzi Matsebula (MP)
Chairperson, Conference of Health Ministers
East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community