Uganda’s Ministry of Health has reassured the public and the international community that the country remains safe for tourism and trade, despite a recent Ebola outbreak.
Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, made the announcement on Wednesday, during a press conference in Mbale, a city in eastern Uganda, addressing growing concerns following the emergence of the disease in certain parts of the country.
According to Minister Aceng, the outbreak is confined to well-defined areas in Kampala, the capital, and Mbale, with strict measures already in place to prevent its spread to other regions. “Even when we have an outbreak, we don’t restrict tourism, trade, and travel. In any case, the outbreak is in well-defined areas. It’s not widespread all over the country,” she stated, reassuring the public that the government is in full control of the situation.
Aceng emphasized that Uganda remains a safe destination for tourists, encouraging both international travelers and businesspeople to continue visiting and conducting trade activities in the country. “Uganda is very safe. We encourage all tourists to come to Uganda. We encourage trade, and we encourage travel. There is no threat of Ebola anywhere tourists will go,” she added.
The Ebola outbreak was declared last week after a 32-year-old nurse succumbed to the disease in the central region of Uganda. The Ministry of Health confirmed that two relatives of the deceased had tested positive for the virus, and 234 individuals who had direct contact with the nurse have been identified and isolated for further monitoring.
The government has swiftly implemented a series of measures to control the virus and prevent its spread. These include contact tracing, the isolation of identified contacts, targeted vaccination for those at risk, and the deployment of rapid response teams to affected areas. In addition, the government has enhanced surveillance at all major entry points, such as Entebbe International Airport, and border crossings, ensuring rigorous infection prevention and control protocols across all health facilities.
Public sensitization campaigns are also ongoing, aiming to educate citizens and visitors about the importance of personal hygiene, including regular hand washing with soap or hand sanitizers, and minimizing unnecessary physical contact. These efforts are designed to further reduce the chances of the virus spreading to other parts of the country.
The Ministry of Health emphasized Uganda’s commitment to managing the outbreak effectively, citing the country’s successful history in handling previous Ebola outbreaks. The government’s prompt response and enhanced safety protocols reassure both the local population and visitors that Uganda remains a safe and welcoming place for travel, trade, and tourism.
With the swift implementation of these containment measures, Uganda’s tourism sector, including safaris, mountain trekking, and cultural activities, is expected to continue as planned, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the country’s diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage.
Government is confident that the current Ebola outbreak will be contained without posing a significant threat to public health or the country’s vibrant tourism industry.