Africa CDC has appealed to the United States to lift its temporary Ebola-related entry suspension on Uganda, saying the country's outbreak is now under control after weeks without a new confirmed case. The continental health agency says Uganda's response has met key public health milestones and should be reflected in the travel measures currently in place.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya said Uganda's Ebola situation has improved following sustained efforts to contain the outbreak. He said the country has not recorded a new confirmed Ebola case since June 21, 2026, making a strong case for the United States to review its restrictions.
Dr Kaseya urged the US Government to adopt travel measures that are guided by the latest public health evidence and match Uganda's current disease situation.
"I formally called on the United States Government to urgently review and remove Uganda from the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension," Dr Kaseya stated.
He said Uganda has already discharged its last Ebola patient and is now in the 42-day countdown required before the outbreak can officially be declared over.
Africa CDC said all 836 identified contacts have completed follow-up, while disease surveillance remains active in 36 high-risk districts and across 38 points of entry. It added that laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, risk communication and community surveillance continue at full capacity to guard against any new infections.
Dr Kaseya credited the progress to the combined efforts of Uganda, neighbouring countries and health partners working together to stop the spread of the disease.
"These results reflect decisive national leadership, the courage and commitment of Uganda's health workers and communities, and strong cooperation between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa CDC and our partners."
Although Ebola cases are still being reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa CDC said Uganda has shown it can quickly detect, report and respond to infections. The agency argued that this should support a country-specific assessment instead of broader travel restrictions.
"Public health measures must follow the evidence," Dr Kaseya noted, urging authorities to adopt safeguards that match Uganda's current risk profile.
Africa CDC proposed replacing blanket restrictions with targeted measures such as risk-based departure and arrival screening, traveller health declarations, exposure-based monitoring and the quick referral of travellers who develop symptoms.
The agency also argued that countries that detect outbreaks early, report them openly and respond quickly should be supported rather than face measures that could discourage future reporting of disease outbreaks.
"Evidence-based decisions strengthen trust, international cooperation and rapid reporting during future health emergencies," Dr Kaseya said.
Africa CDC said it is ready to share its latest surveillance findings with the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also offered to facilitate direct technical discussions and provide any additional verification that may be required.
The agency maintained that Uganda's progress should be recognised while stressing that close monitoring must continue until the outbreak is officially declared over.
It concluded by urging the United States to remove Uganda from the countries covered by the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension, replace the restrictions with proportionate risk-based safeguards and hold an expedited technical review involving Africa CDC and Uganda's Ministry of Health.