Uganda was still responding to mpox in 121 districts in early September 2026, more than two years after the country activated its outbreak response.
The Ministry of Health activated the response on 24 July 2024. By Epidemiological Week 36, covering 31 August to 6 September 2026, the surveillance system had recorded 8,001 cases and 52 deaths.
No new cases or deaths were reported during the seven-day reporting period.
The prolonged response means mpox remains part of Uganda’s routine outbreak surveillance alongside several other infectious disease emergencies being monitored across the country.
National surveillance data show that the outbreak has expanded considerably from the initial response in July 2024, reaching 121 districts.
However, the Week 36 report gives no new cases, suggesting no additional cases were detected during that particular seven-day reporting period.
The surveillance report contains a discrepancy in the cumulative case figures. The main outbreak summary records 8,001 cases, while another overall tracking indicator gives 8,498 cases. The Ministry of Health should clarify the difference before the higher figure is used in reporting.
Uganda’s broader surveillance system recorded an average facility reporting rate of 85.32% during Week 36, with 70.47% reporting completeness and 68.63% reporting timeliness.
Only five of the country’s 15 regions met the national target of 80% reporting completeness.
For a prolonged outbreak, maintaining surveillance remains important even during weeks when no new cases are reported, particularly as health facilities are simultaneously responding to other outbreaks.
Timeline
24 July 2024: Uganda activates the mpox outbreak response.
2024–2026: The outbreak expands to 121 districts.
31 August–6 September 2026: No new cases or deaths reported during Epi Week 36.
6 September 2026: The main surveillance summary records 8,001 cumulative cases and 52 deaths.
Source: Uganda Ministry of Health national surveillance data, Epidemiological Week 36, 31 August–6 September 2026.
