Ebola Outbreak in Uganda: July 1, 2026

Uganda faces a complex mix of humanitarian and development challenges shaped by poverty, displacement and limited access to essential services. More than one-third of the population lives on very low incomes, leaving many families vulnerable to economic shocks, climate stress and disruptions to food systems.

Ebola Outbreak in Uganda

Uganda is responding to Ebola cases linked to the ongoing outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since the outbreak was declared in May, hundreds of cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with some reported in Uganda as well. While most cases remain concentrated in eastern DRC, the risk extends well beyond the communities with confirmed infections.

People cross the DRC–Uganda border every day to trade goods, seek medical care, visit relatives and earn a living. At the same time, many communities are already coping with conflict, displacement and overstretched health systems. These challenges make Ebola much harder to contain and increase the likelihood that infections can spread before cases are detected and isolated.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare strain for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Although people can recover if they receive care early, the strain can be difficult to detect because symptoms do not always resemble those that health workers typically associate with Ebola.

CRS and Partner Response

As part of our Ebola crisis response, CRS is working alongside the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau, a long-standing Church partner that supports one of the country’s largest health networks. Together with health workers, religious leaders and local communities, CRS is helping strengthen preparedness and response efforts in districts most at risk.

To prevent Ebola from spreading, CRS and local partners are:

• Helping communities identify Ebola cases early by training health workers, community volunteers and local leaders to recognize symptoms, report suspected cases and connect people with care.
• Supporting contact tracing and disease surveillance to help health authorities track exposures and contain the spread of the virus.
• Helping health facilities prepare for new cases by providing protective equipment, essential supplies and support for the safe assessment and isolation of patients. This includes supporting the reopening of isolation areas where suspected cases can be assessed while protecting other patients and health workers.
• Sharing accurate health information through radio, community outreach, churches, schools and other trusted community networks.
• Working with faith leaders and community influencers to address rumors, build trust and encourage people to seek care when symptoms appear.
• Supporting communities along the DRC–Uganda border, where frequent cross-border movement increases the risk of transmission.
• Coordinating with government, Church and humanitarian partners to identify emerging needs and ensure timely support.

CRS’ Work in Uganda

Why is there significant need in Uganda?

Uganda faces a complex mix of humanitarian and development challenges shaped by poverty, displacement and limited access to essential services. More than one-third of the population lives on very low incomes, leaving many families vulnerable to economic shocks, climate stress and disruptions to food systems.

The country is also the largest refugee-hosting nation in Africa, with people fleeing conflict in neighboring countries. This places significant pressure on local systems—including health, education and livelihoods—especially in already underserved regions. At the same time, Uganda’s young and rapidly growing population creates both opportunity and strain on services and employment pathways.

Climate variability, including droughts and flooding, further affects agricultural productivity and household resilience. These overlapping challenges make it difficult for vulnerable communities to meet basic needs, recover from crises and build stable futures.

How is CRS responding to needs in Uganda?

CRS works with communities across Uganda to strengthen systems that support long-term resilience. We focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation, improving access to health and social services, strengthening livelihoods and food systems and helping communities prepare for and respond to shocks.

CRS’ approach connects emergency support with long-term development by reinforcing local systems, expanding economic opportunities and supporting community-led solutions that help families adapt to changing conditions.

How long has CRS worked in Uganda?

CRS has worked in Uganda since 1965, supporting vulnerable communities in partnership with the Catholic Church, local organizations and government stakeholders.

Over the decades, CRS has expanded its work to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development priorities—helping communities strengthen resilience, improve access to services and build more stable and inclusive local systems.

CRS Program Areas in Uganda

CRS works across sectors to strengthen systems, expand economic opportunity, and help communities build resilience to climate-related shocks and other challenges. Through partnerships with government, civil society, the private sector and community networks, we help communities adopt innovative practices, diversify incomes, strengthen resilient food systems, access essential health and social services and improve preparedness and response systems.

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