KAMPALA, UGANDA: 21 May 2026– The Ministry of Health has released a comprehensive set of revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide the public, religious leaders, and transport operators in containing the 2026 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak.
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a total of 528 suspected Ebola cases in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) an d Uganda including 132 deaths reported from both countries. Of the 12 suspected cases reported from Uganda, two were confirmed through laboratory testing, while the rest tested negative.
The guidelines come as the government intensifies efforts to break the chain of human-to-human transmission, which officials warn can occur rapidly through direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated materials.
Under the new directives, organizers of sporting, religious, political, and social events must now notify the Ministry of Health or District Health Office before any gathering. To host an event, venues must meet mandatory requirements, including: Capacity Limits: One toilet stance for every 20 participants.
Rigorous Screening: Installation of thermal-scanners or at least five infrared thermometers to check temperatures at entry points.
Isolation Zones: Any participant with a temperature above 38°C must be immediately isolated in a designated health tent for further investigation.
Religious leaders have been explicitly advised to refrain from traditional practices that involve physical contact. Leaders must avoid touching congregants, shaking hands, or laying hands on worshippers during prayers.
Market Safety: Management at local markets must ensure hand-washing stations are available at all entry points and that stalls are regularly disinfected with chlorine-based solutions like Jik.
Transport and Boda Boda Guidelines
The SOPs extend to the transport sector, covering taxis, buses, ferries, and boda bodas. According to the new SOPs, Drivers and conductors are directed to avoid transporting visibly sick passengers and must provide hand sanitizers inside their vehicles.
Boda Boda Riders: Riders are urged to sanitize their hands immediately after handling passengers or luggage.
Safe Burial Practices
Addressing one of the highest-risk areas for transmission, the Ministry has mandated that all burials of suspected or confirmed Ebola cases be conducted exclusively by trained burial teams.
Also, family members and mourners are strictly forbidden from washing, touching, kissing, or hugging the deceased. Mourners are encouraged to limit overcrowding and avoid physical contact such as handshakes during ceremonies.
Public Health Notice: > Symptoms of Ebola include sudden fever, unexplained bleeding, vomiting, and severe headache. If you or someone you know shows these signs, isolate immediately and call the Ministry of Health toll-free line at 0800-100-066 or send a free SMS to 6767.
