Uganda is currently facing a public health challenge following the official declaration of an Ebola outbreak by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17, 2026. At Achieve Global Safaris, the safety and well-being of our guests, staff, and the local communities we visit are our highest priorities. This post provides an overview of the current situation and practical advice for travellers.
The Current Ebola Situation in Uganda
As of today, May 26th 2026, health authorities have confirmed 7 cases of Ebola within Kampala, involving a Congolese national who died at Mulago Hospital. In response, the Ugandan Ministry of Health, in partnership with international health organizations, has activated rapid response teams to contain the spread.
International travel advisories have been updated accordingly. Notably, the U.S. Department of State and other international bodies have raised travel warnings to Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for certain regions, while implementing enhanced screening for all passengers departing from Entebbe International Airport.
Consequently, the government suspended the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, which were slated for 3rd June 2026, and the Congolese pilgrims have been advised to return home and will be allowed back when it is safe for everyone to congregate.
Is it Safe to visit the National Parks?
While the outbreak is currently being monitored in specific districts, most of Uganda’s premier national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, remain operational. However, movement restrictions may be introduced at short notice.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has reinforced strict hygiene protocols at all trekking points. This includes mandatory hand-washing stations, temperature checks, and the continued use of face masks during gorilla trekking to protect both visitors and the primates, who are also susceptible to respiratory and viral diseases.
Essential Advice for Tourists
If you are currently in Uganda or have an upcoming trip scheduled for May or June 2026, we recommend the following:
- Monitor Official Channels: Follow updates from the Uganda Ministry of Health and your local embassy. The situation is fluid, and guidelines can change daily.
- Practice Regular Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid physical contact like handshakes and hugs with anyone appearing unwell or showing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or unexplained bleeding.
- Health Screening at Departure: Be prepared for longer wait times at Entebbe International Airport. Travelers should arrive at least 4 hours before their flight to accommodate mandatory health screenings and documentation checks.
- Check Your Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance policy covers medical evacuation and trip cancellations due to public health emergencies.
How We Are Responding
We are in constant communication with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), which released a statement, and the Ministry of Health. For guests with upcoming bookings, we offer the following:
- Itinerary Adjustments: If your planned route passes through an affected area, we will proactively modify your trip to focus on safe, green-lit regions.
- Flexible Rescheduling: If you prefer to wait, we are working with our partner lodges to offer flexible rescheduling options for later in 2026 or 2027.
Uganda has a proven track record of successfully managing and containing health outbreaks through transparency and swift action. We remain hopeful that these measures will lead to a quick resolution.
Do you have questions about an upcoming safari?
Please contact our team directly via WhatsApp or email. We are here to provide the most accurate, real-time information to ensure your trip is both memorable and safe.
UPDATE: 26th May 2026.
Please follow the link below and complete the form online before traveling. It takes 3–5 minutes to fill in and helps speed up clearance at the airport/border. Immigration and health officials are checking for completion. Thank you
Since the 16th of May 2026, Uganda has recorded only 19 confirmed Ebola cases, all linked to the Congolese national who died at a hospital in Kampala. To date, there have been 2 deaths, and 4 patients have been successfully treated and recovered. That leaves only 17 patients.
There is no Ugandan who has died of Ebola, but WHO keeps lumping us up and reporting (“Ebola in Congo and Uganda”) as if it’s the same village.
UPDATE: 17th July 2026.
The last Ebola patient in Uganda was discharged from Mulago Hospital yesterday, 16th July 2026 after full recovery, which means that there is no single active Ebola Disease Virus case in Uganda. Beginning today, the countdown has started for the 42 days after which, if there is no other new case, Uganda will be declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Again, as it stands, there is no active Ebola case/patient in Uganda.
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