Nakivale (Uganda) : 13 suspected Ebola cases isolated in a tense camp

SOS Médias Burundi

Nakivale, June 8, 2026 – Fears of a possible Ebola outbreak are gripping the Nakivale refugee camp in southwestern Uganda after thirteen suspected cases were quarantined. Health authorities are closely monitoring their condition in a context marked by overcrowding and concerning hygiene conditions.

According to medical sources, the individuals are exhibiting symptoms consistent with Ebola. They have been isolated and placed under observation at Nyarugugu Health Centre IV to prevent any risk of the disease spreading within the camp.

“They have been placed in a quarantine center to ensure regular monitoring of their health,” a medical source indicated. Although no cases have yet been confirmed, the patients are considered suspected cases due to the observed clinical signs.

A local official specified that the isolated individuals are believed to be asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country regularly affected by Ebola virus disease outbreaks. This situation is fueling concerns in a camp where new refugees continue to arrive daily.

The Nakivale camp, which hosts more than 150,000 refugees, faces significant structural challenges, particularly regarding hygiene, sanitation, and population density. Many residents have expressed concern about the potential risk of rapid spread should the outbreak be confirmed.

Awareness campaigns are being conducted jointly by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Ugandan authorities responsible for refugees, and the NGO Medical Teams International, UNHCR’s health partner.

The authorities have banned mass gatherings and advised against close physical contact, including hugs and kisses. Refugees are encouraged to strengthen hygiene measures, including regular handwashing and the use of disinfectants when available. Community health workers are also conducting door-to-door visits to raise awareness among households.

Epidemiological situation in Uganda

Uganda has recorded a cumulative total of 19 confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease, including 14 imported cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and 5 cases of local transmission. The country has reported two deaths related to imported cases, while at least four patients have recovered and been discharged from healthcare facilities.

Health authorities have established specialized treatment units, including a major facility at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, the country’s capital, to bolster the response to the outbreak. Several hundred contacts are also being closely monitored as part of epidemiological surveillance measures.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited Uganda on June 8, 2026. He commended the effectiveness of the response implemented by the health authorities, while also calling for strengthened regional coordination, particularly with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak.

In light of this situation, the authorities are urging vigilance and strict adherence to preventive measures to limit any risk of spread in refugee camps and urban areas.