A Major Milestone: Uganda's Path to Recovery

WAS Editor

Jul 17

3 min read

Updated: Aug 17

On 16 July 2026, Uganda's Ministry of Health announced the discharge of the country's last confirmed Ebola patient. This patient, a Congolese national, received treatment at the Mulago National Referral Isolation Centre in Kampala. Uganda's Health Minister, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, described this moment 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. This opens the door to lifting travel restrictions that have affected the country since May.

The Numbers in Context

Total Uganda cases: 20 confirmed, 2 deaths. This is an extraordinarily low mortality rate compared to previous outbreaks. It showcases Uganda's well-established isolation and contact tracing protocols.

Duration: The outbreak was declared on 15 May 2026, with the last patient discharged on 16 July 2026. This totals 62 days.

Origin: Most of Uganda's cases were visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unfortunately, that outbreak continues at a 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 travelers 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. These months are historically the best periods for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking. October marks the transition into the short rains, but it remains an excellent time for travel. You'll find 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 eager to welcome guests back, and the landscape will be lush and green after the rains.

Our Commitment to Safety

At Wildlife Adventure Safaris, we have monitored the Ebola situation daily since May. We continue to share updates 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.