You have saved for this trip, booked your gorilla permit and planned every game drive. Then you see a headline about Ebola in Uganda and wonder: is a safari still safe? This update on Ebola in Uganda gives you the facts, the dates and the official sources, so you can decide with confidence.
Last updated: 19 October 2026. We review this page whenever the situation changes.
Tulambule Uganda Safaris is a Kampala-based tour operator, licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). We are on the ground every day, and we will always tell you honestly what is happening.
Ebola in Uganda: The Quick Answer
Here is where things stand with Ebola in Uganda today:
- Uganda's 2026 outbreak is over. The Uganda Ministry of Health declared the end of the outbreak on 28 July 2026, after 42 days with no new cases.
- It was small and contained. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, most of them in Kampala and linked to travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 18 people recovered and 2 died.
- There are no active cases in Uganda, according to the US CDC Ebola situation summary in mid-October 2026.
- All 10 national parks stayed open throughout, and gorilla trekking, chimp tracking and game drives continued.
- The outbreak in eastern DRC is still active, so Uganda keeps screening at borders and at Entebbe Airport.
In short, safaris in Uganda are running normally. Because the DRC outbreak continues, it is sensible to follow official advice and travel with an operator who watches the situation closely.
Ebola in Uganda: Timeline of the 2026 Outbreak
This timeline shows how Ebola in Uganda unfolded in 2026, from first case to the official end:
| Date | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Mid-May 2026 | The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreads in Ituri Province, eastern DRC. Uganda confirms its first imported case in Kampala on 15 May. |
| Late May 2026 | Uganda closes its border with the DRC for several weeks and steps up screening and contact tracing. |
| 16 June 2026 | The last patient in Uganda is discharged, starting the 42-day countdown. |
| 28 July 2026 | Uganda officially declares its outbreak over, with 20 confirmed cases and 2 deaths in total. |
| Early October 2026 | A traveller from the DRC passes through Kampala before falling ill in Kenya. The US Embassy confirms there are no known cases in Uganda. |
| Mid-October 2026 | The US CDC reports no active cases in Uganda. The DRC outbreak continues. |
For the latest figures, check the Uganda Ministry of Health and the WHO Disease Outbreak News.
Why Uganda's National Parks Stayed Open
During the 2026 outbreak, cases of Ebola in Uganda were concentrated in and around Kampala and linked to travellers from the DRC. None were recorded in or near the national parks, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority kept all parks open.
The parks are also far apart and far from the cities. Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Murchison Falls are each many hours' drive from Kampala, and gorilla treks happen in small groups of up to eight people, outdoors, with strict health rules.
To protect the gorillas, which can catch human illnesses, rangers already check every trekker's health before each trek. Anyone who feels unwell is asked to stay behind, and masks may be required near the gorillas.
A few parks sit on the DRC border, such as Semuliki, Mgahinga and Rwenzori. They remained open, and we check the latest guidance before every trip and adjust routes if officials advise it.
Status of All 10 Uganda National Parks
Every park is open for visitors. For full details on each one, see our guide to the Uganda national parks.
| National Park | Region | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bwindi Impenetrable | Southwest | Open, gorilla trekking running |
| Mgahinga Gorilla | Southwest | Open, gorilla and golden monkey tracking |
| Queen Elizabeth | West | Open, game drives and boat cruises |
| Kibale Forest | West | Open, chimpanzee tracking running |
| Murchison Falls | Northwest | Open, game drives and Nile cruises |
| Kidepo Valley | Northeast | Open |
| Lake Mburo | West | Open |
| Rwenzori Mountains | West, DRC border | Open, hiking running |
| Semuliki | West, DRC border | Open |
| Mount Elgon | East | Open |
Check Gorilla Permit Availability
Uganda's Experience with Ebola
Ebola in Uganda is not new. The country has handled several outbreaks and has built one of the most experienced response systems in Africa. Recent outbreaks were brought under control quickly:
- 2022 to 2023: the Sudan virus outbreak centred on Mubende recorded 142 confirmed cases and was declared over in January 2023.
- 2025: a smaller Sudan virus outbreak was declared over on 26 April 2025.
- 2026: the Bundibugyo outbreak, imported from the DRC, was declared over on 28 July 2026.
During these outbreaks, the national parks stayed open and safaris continued, because cases were in specific districts far from the parks.
What Official Sources Say
Travel advice on Ebola in Uganda changes, so always check the latest guidance from these sources before you fly:
- Uganda Ministry of Health: official case updates and health measures in Uganda.
- WHO Disease Outbreak News: international outbreak reports.
- US CDC Ebola situation summary: in October 2026 the CDC has a Level 2 "Practice Enhanced Precautions" health notice for Uganda and the DRC, and some travellers to the United States who have been in Uganda face extra screening or entry rules.
- Africa CDC: regional outbreak information.
- Your own government's travel advice. Some governments have advisories for Uganda that cover issues beyond Ebola, so read yours carefully and check your travel insurance.
Practical Tips for a Safe Uganda Safari
Check Where Cases Are, Not Just the Country
Reports about Ebola in Uganda and the DRC name specific districts or provinces. Compare them with your itinerary. In 2026, Uganda's cases were in Kampala, far from the safari circuit.
Expect Health Screening
You may have your temperature checked or fill in a health form at Entebbe Airport and at border crossings. It is quick and helps keep everyone safe. Allow extra time at the airport.
Don't Trek if You Feel Unwell
This rule applies at all times, to protect both people and gorillas. If you wake up with a fever, tell your guide straight away and we will help you rearrange your activity where possible.
Travel with an Operator Who Monitors the Situation
We follow official updates every day and will contact you if anything changes on your route. Our guides know the health protocols at every park.
Check Your Travel Insurance
Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation and changes to your trip. This is good practice for any safari.
Book Your Uganda Safari with Confidence
With no active cases of Ebola in Uganda, our safaris are running as normal. These are popular choices right now:
- 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Tour
- 3-Day Kibale Chimp Trekking Tour
- 3-Day Murchison Falls Safari
- 7-Day Uganda Safari
- 10-Day Murchison Falls to Bwindi Safari
Low-season gorilla permits in November cost US$600 instead of US$800 for foreign non-residents. See our guide to Uganda national park fees for details, and our guide on gorilla trekking safety during Ebola.
Why Your Visit Supports Conservation
Uganda's mountain gorillas have recovered thanks to tourism. Permit fees pay for rangers and vets, and community levies help families living around the parks.
When travellers cancel safe trips, that funding falls. Choosing to visit, with sensible precautions, is one of the best things you can do for Uganda's wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Safaris and Ebola
Is it safe to go on a safari in Uganda now?
Yes. Uganda declared its 2026 Ebola outbreak over on 28 July 2026, there are no active cases, and all national parks are open. Follow official travel advice, as the outbreak in neighbouring DRC continues.
Were any Uganda national parks affected by Ebola in 2026?
No. Uganda's 20 confirmed cases were mainly in Kampala and linked to travel from the DRC. No cases were recorded in the national parks, and all parks stayed open.
Is gorilla trekking still running in Uganda?
Yes. Gorilla trekking continues in Bwindi and Mgahinga with strict health checks. Anyone who feels unwell on the day is asked not to trek, to protect the gorillas.
Is the Ebola outbreak in the DRC still active?
Yes. As of October 2026, the outbreak in eastern DRC is still active, so Uganda continues to screen travellers at borders and at Entebbe Airport.
What travel advice applies to Uganda?
In October 2026 the US CDC has a Level 2 "Practice Enhanced Precautions" notice for Uganda. Advice differs by country, so check your own government's guidance and your travel insurance before you travel.
Where can I find official updates on Ebola in Uganda?
The Uganda Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and the US CDC publish regular updates. We also keep this page up to date.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 outbreak of Ebola in Uganda was small, contained and is now over, and the national parks never closed. The gorillas are in the forest, the lions are on the plains and the Nile is thundering through Murchison Falls.
Have a question about your dates or route? Message us. We will give you an honest answer and help you plan a safe, unforgettable safari.
