Jinja, Uganda, 11 July 2026 – Uganda responded rapidly following the detection of the 2026 Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak, meeting the key timelines of the 7-1-7 framework, according to an Early Action Review completed this week.
The review found that Uganda’s systems enabled the outbreak to be detected within seven days, notified to the relevant public health authorities within one day and followed by priority response actions within seven days.
It also identified critical areas requiring further action, including screening at high-risk border points, coordination with private health facilities, integration of emergency-response data and stronger community engagement.
Convened by Uganda’s Ministry of Health from 8 to 9 July in Jinja, the review brought together representatives from all pillars of the national response, alongside Africa CDC, the World Health Organization, the UK Health Security Agency, the United States Government and other partners.
Participants examined how quickly the outbreak was detected, reported and acted upon, as well as the operational factors that supported or delayed the response. The review recognised Uganda’s investments in disease surveillance, emergency coordination and rapid response capacity, while identifying gaps that must be addressed as efforts continue to interrupt transmission and reduce the risk of further spread.
“The greatest opportunity to interrupt transmission lies in the first seven days, from the onset of illness to detection, notification, investigation and the initiation of the response,” said Dr Atek Kagirita, Bundibugyo Virus Disease Incident Commander and Manager of Uganda’s National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
“Early detection saves lives, reduces transmission, minimises the cost of the response and protects communities. This outbreak has also reminded us that public health emergencies do not respect national borders. Strengthening cross-border collaboration must remain a strategic priority beyond this outbreak.”
The review identified four immediate priorities for strengthening the response. These include installing prefabricated screening units at high-risk border points, beginning with Vuura Point of Entry; integrating private clinics and health facilities into national surveillance and reporting systems; digitising and connecting emergency-response data through the Integrated Outbreak System; and expanding community engagement and risk communication to strengthen trust, early reporting and adherence to public health guidance.
Africa CDC’s Special Representative to the Director-General for Eastern Africa, Dr Lul Riek, congratulated the Government of Uganda for conducting the review while the outbreak response remains active.
“Uganda acted quickly, and this review provides a clear picture of what worked and where further action is required,” said Dr Riek. “Through the Continental Incident Management Support Team, Africa CDC will continue working with Uganda and neighbouring countries to strengthen cross-border surveillance, border health measures, emergency data systems and community engagement.”
Speaking on behalf of the WHO Representative to Uganda, Dr Solome Okware welcomed the strong coordination between the Government of Uganda and its partners and commended the effectiveness of the response.
Dr Edmund Newman, Director of the UK Public Health Support Team at UKHSA, said the review provided an important opportunity to identify successful approaches, assess outstanding gaps and agree on practical improvements while the response is ongoing.
The review also highlighted the importance of continued coordination between Uganda and the DRC, particularly in border communities and areas with frequent population movement.
The Ministry of Health will incorporate the findings and recommendations into Uganda’s National Action Plan for Health Security and use them to strengthen preparedness and response systems for future outbreaks.
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Uganda Ministry of Health
Emmanuel Ainebyoona, Senior Communication Officer | emmanuel.ainebyoona@health.go.ug
