Kampala, Uganda: Government has reassured international travellers, investors and tourism operators that Uganda remains safe for travel despite heightened regional concern over the latest Ebola outbreak linked to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) confirmed that Uganda has only recorded two isolated imported Ebola cases involving Congolese nationals who entered the country from the DRC, insisting there is currently no local transmission within the country.
“Uganda has registered two isolated imported Ebola cases involving Congolese nationals who entered Uganda 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,” the tourism body stated.
UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa said one of the patients died and was later repatriated while the second patient remains under treatment under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.
The reassurance comes amid growing international concern after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak affecting DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
According to health authorities, Uganda’s confirmed cases are linked to cross-border movement from eastern DR Congo, where the outbreak has continued to spread in conflict-affected areas.
Officials say the Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance systems across the country, including screening at border points, contact tracing and rapid response operations aimed at preventing community spread.
UTB emphasized that Uganda remains internationally recognised for its strong experience in handling Ebola outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
“Tourism activities, national parks, hotels, conference venues and transport services continue to operate normally,” the statement said.
The tourism board also encouraged visitors and tourism practitioners to continue observing standard hygiene practices such as regular handwashing and use of sanitizers while enjoying Uganda’s tourism destinations.
The latest reassurance follows President Museveni’s decision on Sunday evening to postpone this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo due to fears of possible Ebola spread through the expected influx of pilgrims from eastern DR Congo.
The annual June 3 celebrations normally attract millions of pilgrims from Uganda and neighbouring countries, making it one of the biggest religious gatherings in Africa.
Despite the regional outbreak, tourism stakeholders insist Uganda’s key tourism sites remain fully operational, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and major conference venues in Kampala and Entebbe.
Uganda’s tourism sector remains one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners, contributing significantly through gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, cultural tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
“Uganda remains safe, open, and welcoming for tourism, business and investment. Life continues normally,” Kagwa stated.
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