The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has been hailed as one of the key organizations behind Uganda’s successful fight against the recent Ebola outbreak, following a formal declaration by the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, that the country is now Ebola-free.
The declaration followed 87 days of intensified response interventions and two incubation periods (42 days) following the discharge of the last Ebola patient on March 14, 2025.
The Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV) outbreak, first confirmed on January 30, affected seven districts and three major cities, resulting in 14 recorded cases (12 confirmed, 2 probable) and two fatalities.
The URCS’s swift, community-centered response is being credited as instrumental in containing the outbreak and preventing further spread.
Leveraging its grassroots presence and a vast network of trained volunteers, URCS quickly activated emergency response mechanisms in coordination with the Ministry of Health and development partners.
“From the onset of the outbreak, Uganda Red Cross activated its emergency response systems, mobilized trained volunteers, and partnered with the Ministry of Health to interrupt chains of transmission,” said Dr. Suudhi Bamutya, URCS Manager for Epidemics and Pandemics Preparedness and Response. “Our presence in affected communities was pivotal in raising awareness, supporting contact tracing, and ensuring safe practices.”
Operating under the national Ebola response strategy, the Red Cross implemented a broad range of interventions in high-risk districts such as Kampala, Mbale, Jinja, Wakiso, Iganga, Fort Portal City, and Ntoroko. Backed by the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), URCS reached over 161,000 households with door-to-door education campaigns and engaged nearly 750,000 individuals through community gatherings in schools, markets, and places of worship.
Additionally, up to 232,000 learners within 467 were reached with health messages, helping to embed preventive practices within households.
More than 370 volunteers—144 men and 226 women—were trained in epidemic preparedness and response in communities and community-based surveillance Specialized training was also provided to 32 volunteers in Safe and Dignified Burials (SDB), while simulation drills were conducted in key cities to enhance response readiness.
“The strength of the Uganda Red Cross lies in its grassroots presence,” emphasized Dr. Bamutya. “Our volunteers are embedded in the communities they serve, which builds trust and ensures rapid and effective mobilization.”
URCS maintained its involvement through national and district-level Ebola task forces and participated in weekly coordination meetings with the Ministry of Health and USAID partners. Even as other organizations scaled back due to funding challenges, the Red Cross remained active until the very end of the response.
As Uganda celebrates a major public health milestone, the URCS is urging continued investment in epidemic preparedness and community health systems. “This victory is a reminder of what coordinated community engagement and strong health systems can achieve,” said Dr. Bamutya. “We must remain vigilant and ready for the future.”
Robert Okila, URCS Fleet Management and Logistics Officer, highlighted the organization’s logistical support: “We deployed 7 ambulances and had 6 more on standby. Our fleet helped evacuate 232 individuals, underscoring our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently.”
URCS also played a crucial role in surveillance and early detection, investigating 116 alerts and screening over half a million people at major entry points such as Mulago and Naguru hospitals. URCS also advocated for and supported hand washing with donation of 375handwashing stations in high-risk areas.
Mental health support was another critical pillar. URCS deployed trained therapists who conducted 71 psychosocial support sessions and 743 awareness activities focusing on Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI) mainly to the response staff and volunteers.
The Uganda Red Cross Society reaffirms its commitment to supporting government-led health interventions, ensuring that the resilience demonstrated during this outbreak becomes a cornerstone of Uganda’s strategy in preparedness and response to public health emergencies.