The Uganda Tourism Board has moved swiftly to reassure tourists, investors, and industry players that Uganda remains safe for travel, despite renewed concern following isolated Ebola cases linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement issued by Executive Director Juliana Kaggwa, the tourism body emphasised that the country’s tourism sector continues to operate normally, with no disruption reported across key services including travel, hospitality, and visitor experiences.
The reassurance comes after the Ministry of Health Uganda confirmed two imported Ebola cases involving Congolese nationals who crossed into Uganda from the DRC. Health authorities said one of the patients later died and was repatriated in accordance with established public health protocols, while the second remains under treatment and close monitoring.
Despite the development, officials have been keen to stress a critical point that there is no evidence of local transmission or community spread within Uganda.
This distinction appears central to the government’s messaging, as authorities seek to contain not only the virus but also the risk of public anxiety and potential disruption to economic sectors such as tourism.
Uganda’s public health system has since been placed on heightened alert, with intensified surveillance, screening at border entry points, active contact tracing, and rapid response teams deployed to monitor the situation. Officials also point to the country’s extensive experience in managing Ebola outbreaks, noting that systems for early detection, isolation, and containment are already well established.
For the tourism sector, the message is clear and deliberate. National parks, hotels, conference venues, and transport services remain fully operational, with visitors encouraged to proceed with their travel plans.
At the same time, travellers are being advised to observe standard hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and the use of sanitizers, while remaining attentive to public health guidance where necessary.
Kaggwa urged calm among both local and international audiences, stressing that Uganda remains open and welcoming for leisure, business, and investment.
“Uganda remains safe, open, and welcoming for tourism, business, and investment. Life continues normally,” she said.
Her remarks also reflect a broader concern within the sector that perception can often move faster than facts. Tourism stakeholders have in the past faced sharp declines in visitor numbers driven more by fear and international headlines than by actual risk on the ground.
In that context, UTB has called on international media and tourism partners to report responsibly and avoid amplifying panic that could undermine the country’s ongoing tourism recovery.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health maintains that containment measures are firmly in place. These include strengthened border screening, community sensitisation campaigns, and heightened preparedness across health facilities.
Authorities insist the situation remains under control and poses no immediate threat to the general population.
Uganda’s experience with previous Ebola outbreaks appears to be shaping the current response. Health officials say lessons learned from past crises have significantly improved coordination, response speed, and overall preparedness.
For now, the government and tourism authorities are walking a careful line. On one hand, they are reinforcing vigilance and public health readiness. On the other, they are working to protect confidence in a sector that remains a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings.
Industry players say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation remains contained and whether traveller confidence holds steady.
UTB says it will continue working closely with the Ministry of Health and international partners to safeguard public health while ensuring that Uganda’s tourism sector remains stable and resilient.
