Uganda Begins 42-Day Countdown to the End of Ebola Outbreak: What Safari Travellers Should Know

Uganda Ebola Travel Advice & Update

Uganda has entered the 42-day countdown to the official end of its Ebola outbreak, after the last confirmed patient tested negative for the virus for a second time and was discharged from care.

This is an important and reassuring milestone.

It does not yet mean the outbreak has officially been declared over. Under World Health Organization guidance, Uganda must complete 42 days — two full incubation periods — without a new confirmed case before the outbreak can be declared ended.

But it is very good news.

It shows that Uganda’s public health response has worked, that confirmed cases have been managed, and that surveillance systems are active. For travellers, agents, and safari partners, this is the clearest sign yet that the country is moving out of the acute phase of the outbreak.

At Nandi Adventures, we welcome this development with gratitude for the health workers, public health teams, border officials, communities, tourism partners, and government agencies who have worked through this period with discipline and care.

What Has Happened?

According to WHO Africa, Uganda declared the Ebola outbreak on 15 May 2026. As of 16 July 2026, the country had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths.

The majority of confirmed cases were imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where transmission has continued. A smaller number of cases were locally acquired in Uganda.

The last confirmed patient has now tested negative twice and been discharged. This has triggered the 42-day countdown before Uganda can be officially declared free of the outbreak, provided no new confirmed cases are detected during that period.

That last point is important.

This is a countdown, not a final declaration. Uganda remains on alert because the outbreak has a cross-border context. If a new confirmed case is detected during the countdown, the clock would reset. That would not mean failure. It would reflect the reality of managing a regional health event across borders.

Why This Uganda Ebola Update Is Reassuring for Travellers

This milestone is reassuring for three reasons.

First, the last confirmed patient has recovered and been discharged.

Second, Uganda has not reported a new confirmed case since late June, according to reports from public health authorities and international media.

Third, the country’s response has included contact tracing, surveillance, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention, border screening, community engagement, and cross-border coordination.

WHO Africa reported that all 836 contacts had been followed up, surveillance had been strengthened across 36 high-risk districts, and readiness had been reinforced at 38 points of entry.

For travellers, this shows a serious and structured response.

Uganda is not new to managing infectious disease risks. The country has experience, systems, trained teams, and public health partners. That does not remove the need for vigilance, but it does give travellers and agents a stronger basis for confidence.

Uganda Remains Open to Responsible Travel

Uganda remains open to responsible travel.

Safari operations continue, and travellers are moving through the country with the additional health screening measures that were introduced during the outbreak period.

All passengers arriving in or departing from Uganda are required to complete the Ministry of Health Passenger Health Declaration Form before travel.

You can complete the form here:

Ministry of Health Passenger Health Declaration Form

The form usually takes 3–5 minutes. We recommend completing it before arriving at the airport or border point and keeping a screenshot or confirmation copy available on your phone.

This requirement supports public health screening and helps speed up clearance at points of entry and exit.

The Source of the Outbreak and the Regional Context

The current outbreak has been linked to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where transmission has continued.

This matters because Uganda and DR Congo share borders, communities, trade routes, and movement. Public health events in one country can affect the other, especially when people cross for work, trade, family reasons, medical care, or transport.

Uganda’s response has therefore included cross-border surveillance and coordination. This is a practical and necessary part of managing the situation.

For travellers, the key point is this: Uganda’s confirmed cases have been limited, the last patient has been discharged, and the country has entered the formal countdown toward the end of the outbreak.

At the same time, Uganda is maintaining vigilance because regional risk has not fully disappeared.

That is the balanced message.

There is reason for confidence, but not complacency.

What Nandi Adventures Is Doing

As a local, owner-led safari company, Nandi Adventures continues to monitor official updates and support guests with calm, practical information.

Our current approach includes:

Following updates from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, WHO, Uganda Wildlife Authority, tourism partners, and relevant authorities.
Advising guests to complete the Passenger Health Declaration Form before travel.
Sharing itinerary-specific updates with booked guests and trade partners where needed.
Working closely with lodges, guides, drivers, park teams, and ground partners.
Maintaining practical hygiene and health awareness during safari operations.
Reviewing community visits and close-contact activities where necessary.
Supporting guests and agents with permit or supplier guidance when travel changes are required.

Our role is not to create alarm. It is to help guests understand the facts, prepare properly, and travel with confidence.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

baboon with its young on the back - Uganda primate safaris with Nandi Adventures

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking remain among Uganda’s most carefully managed tourism experiences.

Trekking takes place under the guidance of park authorities, trained rangers, and official conservation protocols. These experiences are already highly structured because they involve endangered primates and controlled visitor access.

For guests who are concerned about existing bookings, Uganda Wildlife Authority has issued guidance to tour operators regarding gorilla permit rescheduling requests linked to Ebola-related travel concerns.

Where a guest or overseas agent is unable to travel because of Ebola-related concerns, UWA may consider rescheduling gorilla permits at no additional UWA rescheduling cost. The request must be supported by clear written confirmation from the guest or overseas agent. Approval remains subject to UWA verification and permit availability on the requested new dates.

Low-season gorilla permits can only be rescheduled to other low-season dates.

Other safari arrangements, including lodges, domestic flights, transport, chimpanzee permits, and third-party services, remain subject to each supplier’s or issuing authority’s terms. Where flexibility is possible, we will advocate for our guests. Where supplier terms are strict, our ability to change or refund those services may be limited.

A Note for Travel Agents and Partners

For our travel trade partners, this is an important update to share with clients who may have been hesitant about Uganda.

The message should be calm, factual, and clear:

Uganda has entered the 42-day countdown toward the official end of the Ebola outbreak after the last confirmed patient tested negative twice and was discharged from care.

Uganda is not yet officially declared Ebola-free, but this is a major positive milestone.

Safari travel remains open, health screening continues, and Nandi Adventures is monitoring official updates and supporting guests on the ground.

This is also a good time to remind clients that Uganda’s response has been structured and closely supported by public health authorities and international partners.

Why This Matters for Uganda Tourism

Health alerts can affect travel confidence quickly.

They can also flatten the reality of a destination into a headline.

Uganda is a country of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife, birds, rivers, forests, culture, and warm hospitality. It is also a country with strong public health experience and a tourism sector that understands the importance of guest care.

This milestone helps restore perspective.

The outbreak has been limited in Uganda. The last confirmed patient has recovered. Contact follow-up and surveillance have been active. The country has entered the formal countdown to the end of the outbreak.

For travellers planning Uganda safaris in the coming months, this is reassuring news.

What Travellers Should Do Now

If you are planning to travel to Uganda, we recommend the following:

Complete the Passenger Health Declaration Form before arrival and departure.
Carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical treatment, cancellation, interruption, emergency support, and evacuation.
Follow official health guidance during travel.
Work with a locally based safari company that can support you before and during the journey.
Stay informed, but avoid panic-driven decisions based only on headlines.

For Nandi Adventures guests, we will continue to share relevant updates directly.

Our View

This is a moment to be encouraged.

Uganda has reached an important milestone in its Ebola response. The last confirmed patient has recovered and been discharged. The country has entered the official 42-day countdown toward the end of the outbreak.

There is still a need for vigilance, especially because the wider regional context remains active. But the direction in Uganda is positive.

For travellers, agents, and safari partners, the message is simple:

Uganda is open. Uganda is alert. Uganda is experienced. And Uganda is moving steadily toward the end of this outbreak.

Planning a Uganda Safari?

Nandi Adventures designs private, tailor-made safaris across Uganda and East Africa.

If you are planning a journey that includes gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris, birding, cultural experiences, or a wider East Africa combination, our team can help you plan with care, clarity, and local support.

Speak to us about your Uganda safari.

FAQ

Has Uganda’s Ebola outbreak ended?

Not yet. Uganda has entered the 42-day countdown toward the official end of the outbreak. If no new confirmed cases are detected during this period, the outbreak can be declared over under WHO guidance.

Why is the countdown 42 days?

The 42-day countdown represents two maximum incubation periods for the virus. It is the standard period used before an outbreak can be declared over, provided no new confirmed cases are detected.

Is Uganda open for safari travel?

Yes. Uganda remains open to responsible travel. Safari operations continue, with public health screening measures in place.

Do travellers need to complete a health declaration form?

Yes. Travellers arriving in or departing from Uganda are required to complete the Ministry of Health Passenger Health Declaration Form before travel.

Where did the outbreak come from?

The outbreak has been linked to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where transmission has continued. Uganda’s confirmed cases included imported cases connected to that regional outbreak.

Is Uganda safe for safari travel now?

Uganda has entered a positive phase of the response, with the last confirmed patient discharged and no new confirmed cases reported since late June. Travellers should still follow official health guidance, complete required forms, and travel with comprehensive insurance.

Can gorilla permits be rescheduled because of Ebola concerns?

Uganda Wildlife Authority has advised tour operators that Ebola-related gorilla permit rescheduling requests may be considered at no additional UWA rescheduling cost. Requests must include clear written confirmation from the guest or overseas agent and remain subject to UWA verification and permit availability.

Does Nandi Adventures support guests during health alerts?

Yes. Nandi Adventures monitors official updates, communicates with booked guests and agents, works closely with local partners, and provides itinerary-specific support where needed.