The United States has mobilised an initial $13 million (about Shs49 billion) in emergency funding to support Ebola response efforts in uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as authorities race to contain the outbreak.
In a statement, the US Department of State said it activated a response plan within 48 hours and established an interagency coordination cell in Washington, D.C. to monitor developments in the region.
The US said embassies in Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the DRC have joined the coordination effort and are communicating with American citizens in the affected countries.
According to the statement, the funding will support surveillance, laboratory capacity, risk communication, safe burials, screening at entry and exit points, and treatment of Ebola patients.
The Department of State also announced travel restrictions aimed at preventing the disease from spreading to the United States. On May 18, 2026, the US issued a Title 42 order blocking entry for foreign nationals who visited Uganda, the DRC, and South Sudan within the previous 21 days.
The US Embassy in Kampala also suspended all visa services effective May 18, 2026. The suspension affects immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including tourist, student, and business visas.
“The Department of State is committed to ensuring that its visa process upholds the highest standards for U.S. public health and safety,” the embassy said in a statement.
Meanwhile, uganda media centre Executive Director Allan Kasujja Said Uganda has only recorded two imported Ebola cases, both involving Congolese nationals.
Kasujja said one patient died and was repatriated while the second remains under treatment. He added that all contacts, including health workers and relatives, had been traced and isolated.
“There’s ZERO local infection,” Kasujja said, insisting Uganda’s health experts remain in control of the situation.
The US government also revealed that it plans to release additional funding through humanitarian channels, including support to OCHA pooled funds for Uganda and the DRC.
American officials said the response aims to contain the outbreak quickly while protecting both affected communities and US citizens abroad.
