President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that Uganda has so far registered 19 Ebola cases, with 14 infections linked to a single family that entered the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Addressing the nation on the Ebola situation, Museveni said the outbreak remains a serious public health concern but noted encouraging progress in the country’s response efforts.
The President disclosed that no new Ebola case has been recorded for five consecutive days, a development he described as a positive indication that the containment measures being implemented by health authorities are beginning to yield results.
Despite the encouraging trend, Museveni cautioned Ugandans against complacency, emphasizing that the government remains on high alert and is treating the outbreak with utmost urgency.
“Health is more important than wealth,” the President said, urging citizens to prioritize public safety by strictly following all health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
Museveni expressed confidence that Uganda would overcome the outbreak, pointing to the country’s successful management of previous Ebola epidemics, as well as its responses to HIV/AIDS and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He reminded the public that Ebola spreads through direct physical and intimate contact, warning that failure to observe preventive measures could accelerate transmission of the disease.
The President specifically called on Ugandans to avoid handshakes and other forms of physical contact and instead adopt non-contact greetings such as waving.
“Ebola is preventable. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected persons or contaminated materials. We must all be disciplined and vigilant,” he said.
Museveni further commended health workers, surveillance teams, and local leaders involved in the response, noting that early detection, contact tracing, and public awareness remain critical in containing the outbreak.
The government has intensified screening, surveillance, and public health sensitization campaigns in high-risk areas, particularly districts with strong links to the DRC.
Health authorities continue to monitor contacts of confirmed cases while strengthening preparedness across the country to prevent further spread.
The President concluded by assuring Ugandans that the government has the experience and capacity to contain the outbreak, provided citizens cooperate with health authorities.
“Uganda has defeated Ebola before, and with discipline, vigilance and collective responsibility, we shall defeat it again,” Museveni said.
