Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has expressed confidence that Uganda will once again defeat Ebola, citing the country’s track record in overcoming previous outbreaks as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a message shared via X after his national address on the Ebola situation on Wednesday night, Museveni reassured Ugandans that the government’s containment measures are yielding positive results, pointing to the absence of new infections in the last five days.
“Fellow Ugandans, health is more important than wealth. I am encouraged that in the last five days, we have not registered any new Ebola infections and are instead recording recoveries. This shows that the measures we have put in place are working,” Museveni wrote.
The President’s remarks came after health authorities reported that Uganda had gone five consecutive days without recording a new Ebola case, a development that has raised hopes that the outbreak may be coming under control.
However, Museveni cautioned against complacency, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue observing preventive measures recommended by health experts. “We must remain vigilant. Avoid handshakes, maintain good hygiene, and follow the guidance of our health authorities,” he said.
Key Precautions Against Ebola
Museveni used his address to reiterate several measures aimed at preventing further spread of the disease:
Health comes first: The President stressed that health is more important than wealth and said government is treating the Ebola outbreak with the utmost seriousness.
Avoid physical contact: Ugandans have been advised to stop shaking hands and instead adopt non-contact greetings such as waving.
Ebola is preventable: Museveni emphasized that Ebola spreads through physical and intimate contact, making it easier to control when people strictly follow public health guidelines.
Public vigilance is critical: Citizens have been urged to remain alert, report suspected cases and
ooperate fully with health workers and authorities.
National responsibility: The President called on all Ugandans to exercise discipline and caution, noting that the country has successfully defeated Ebola before and can do so again.
The President emphasized that public cooperation remains critical in preventing further transmission of the disease, particularly through avoiding unnecessary physical contact and adhering to health protocols.
Museveni also drew parallels with previous public health emergencies, arguing that Uganda has repeatedly demonstrated the capacity to contain dangerous disease outbreaks. “We defeated Ebola before, and with discipline and cooperation, we shall defeat it again,” he said.
During his televised address, Museveni noted that Uganda had successfully navigated several major health crises over the years, including HIV/AIDS, multiple Ebola outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He argued that Ebola is easier to contain than COVID-19 because it spreads primarily through physical contact rather than airborne transmission.
“COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets, while Ebola spreads through physical contact. It is easier to prevent if people remain disciplined. Its spread is largely driven by carelessness,” Museveni said.
Health officials have continued to monitor patients under treatment while intensifying surveillance and contact tracing efforts in affected areas. The Ministry has urged frontline health workers and communities to remain alert despite the encouraging trend of declining infections.
Uganda is internationally recognized for its rapid response mechanisms to Ebola outbreaks, including aggressive contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, isolation measures, and coordinated emergency interventions.
Authorities say sustained public cooperation will be essential to ensuring the country completely interrupts transmission, protects vulnerable communities, and prevents new infections.
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