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Uganda Discharges Last Ebola Patient: What This Means for Your Adventure

  • Writer: WAS Editor
    WAS Editor
  • Jul 17
  • 3 min read

A Major Milestone and What Happens Next


On 16 July 2026, Uganda's Ministry of Health announced the discharge of the country's last confirmed Ebola patient, a Congolese national who had received treatment at the Mulago National Referral Isolation Centre in Kampala. Uganda's Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi described it as 'a moment of joy.' We couldn't agree more.


This milestone officially starts Uganda's 42-day countdown to being declared Ebola-free. If no new cases emerge, Uganda will achieve that declaration in late August 2026, opening the door to the full lifting of travel restrictions that have affected the country since May.


The Numbers in Context


Total Uganda cases: 20 confirmed, 2 deaths. An extraordinarily low mortality rate compared to previous outbreaks, which is a testament to Uganda's well-established isolation and contact tracing protocols.


Duration: From outbreak declaration on 15 May 2026 to last patient discharge on 16 July 2026 - 62 days.


Origin: The majority of Uganda's cases were visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the outbreak sadly continues at a far larger scale with over 2,000 confirmed cases and 796 deaths.


Rwanda: Remained Ebola-free throughout and was never on any travel restriction list.


What This Means For Travel To Uganda


Uganda has immediately begun lobbying governments to lift Ebola-related travel restrictions. The UAE ban, which required 21 or more days in a third country for travellers from Uganda before re-entry, is expected to come under review as Uganda progresses through the 42-day countdown.


Gorilla Trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park remain available. Wildlife viewing across Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo is unaffected. Our own ground operations at Wildlife Adventure Safaris have continued throughout, with additional safety protocols firmly in place.


Rwanda: Open and Operating


Rwanda was never subject to travel restrictions and has remained fully operational throughout the outbreak period. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park has continued without interruption.


For our Adventurers who have been unable to visit Uganda due to their country's restrictions, Rwanda has provided, and continues to provide, a world-class alternative. We continue to support our clients with travel to both Uganda and Rwanda.


Looking Ahead: October is Peak Season


Uganda's dry season runs from June to September and again from December to February, historically the best periods for wildlife viewing and Gorilla Trekking. October marks the transition into the short rains, but remains an excellent time, with quieter trails and good availability of permits.


For clients who postponed Uganda travel due to the outbreak, October and November 2026 represent a compelling opportunity. Permit availability is currently good, lodges are keen to welcome guests back, and the landscape will be lush and green after the rains.


Our Commitment


Wildlife Adventure Safaris has monitored the Ebola situation daily since May and continues to share updates on the situation through our Ebola Watch page. Our protocols, developed in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and aligned with WHO and ECDC guidance, have ensured the safety of our Adventurers and team throughout this period. We'll continue to track Uganda's 42-day countdown and update our partners and clients accordingly.



Adventure Together



If you have any questions about Uganda and Rwanda travel for Q4 2026 and beyond, we welcome the conversation. Contact us directly:


Wildlife Adventure Safaris

Tel: +256 751 200 900  |  Tel: +971 55 599 7752



Sources

BBC News (16 July 2026): Uganda discharges last Ebola patient



 
 
 

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