Government confirms Uganda safe despite isolated Ebola cases

The government has dismissed reports suggesting that Uganda is unsafe due to the Ebola outbreak, assuring both local and international visitors that the country remains safe.

In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, Ms Juliana Kaggwa, reassured travellers, tourism partners, and the international community that Uganda currently has zero local transmission or community infection.

“Uganda has registered four isolated imported Ebola cases involving Congolese nationals who entered the country from the DRC. One patient sadly passed away and has since been repatriated, while the second patient is currently receiving treatment under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. Importantly, there is currently ZERO local transmission or community infection within Uganda,” Ms Kaggwa said.

According to Allan Kassujja, Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, Uganda has extensive experience in managing Ebola outbreaks and possesses some of the world’s leading expertise in responding to the virus.

He encouraged Ugandans to continue with their daily activities while remaining vigilant.

“Look out for symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, and others that we know are associated with Ebola. If you notice them, go to the nearest health facility where you will receive help. If Ebola is detected early, you will survive. Uganda knows Ebola. Uganda knows how to deal with Ebola better than anybody else in the world,” Kassujja said.

In border districts such as Kanungu, which borders the DRC, authorities have instituted temporary restrictions on cross-border movement as a measure to prevent the spread of Ebola.

According to Ambrose Mwesigye, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), the District Task Force continues to maintain heightened surveillance and closely monitor the situation.