Uganda assures tourists of safety amid imported Ebola cases

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has reassured travelers and tourism stakeholders that Uganda remains safe for tourism and business despite recent Ebola cases linked to the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In a press statement issued on Monday, UTB said the country had registered two isolated imported Ebola cases involving Congolese nationals who crossed into Uganda from the DRC.

According to the tourism body, one of the patients died and was later repatriated to the DRC, while the second patient is currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of Uganda’s Ministry of Health.

UTB emphasized that there is currently no local transmission or community spread of Ebola within Uganda.

“The Uganda Ministry of Health continues to maintain robust surveillance, screening, contact tracing, and rapid response systems nationwide,” the statement noted.

The board further stated that Uganda has extensive experience in managing Ebola outbreaks and other epidemics, having successfully contained previous outbreaks through coordinated public health interventions.

UTB said tourism activities across the country, including operations in national parks, hotels, conference facilities and transport services, are continuing normally.

Tourists and tourism operators have nevertheless been encouraged to maintain standard hygiene practices such as regular handwashing and use of sanitizers while enjoying Uganda’s tourism attractions.

“Uganda remains safe, open, and welcoming for tourism, business, and investment. Life continues normally,” the statement signed by UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa said.

The reassurance comes amid heightened regional concern following recent Ebola reports connected to eastern DRC, where outbreaks have periodically occurred in recent years.