Museveni urges vigilance as Uganda records no new Ebola cases in five days

11 June 2026, 10:50 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

During a televised special address to the nation from State House yesterday regarding the Ebola outbreak and measures to contain it, President Yoweri Museveni called upon Ugandans to remain vigilant and strictly follow the available Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The President emphasized that Ebola is easier to manage than COVID-19, which claimed the lives of more than 3,000 Ugandans during the pandemic. He said the few Ebola cases currently being managed in the country were largely a result of carelessness.

Mr. Museveni also noted that although 12 patients are currently undergoing treatment, Uganda has not registered any new case of the Ebola Sudan Virus Disease in the past five days, describing this as a sign that the outbreak is gradually coming under control.

“The story is clear. Some people came from Congo and were not handled carefully. In spite of all that, for five days now, there have been no new cases. It looks as if the Ebola fire has started going down. Ebola is an aggressive disease but, in my view, it is not as difficult to fight as either HIV/AIDS or COVID-19. Even AIDS was easier to fight, in my opinion. COVID-19 was very dangerous because it spread through breathing,” the President said.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, a cumulative total of 19 Ebola cases have so far been recorded in Uganda, including two deaths. Of these, 14 are imported cases while five involve Ugandan nationals.

The President attributed some infections among health workers to failure by some medical personnel to observe proper protective measures while handling patients.

During the same address, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, revealed that five patients have recovered from the disease, including four Congolese nationals and one Ugandan. She added that 12 patients are still receiving treatment.

Health officials continue to provide supportive treatment to Ebola patients to manage symptoms and complications as there is currently no approved vaccine specifically for the circulating strain.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Medical Association says about 100 health workers have been quarantined since May 15 after being exposed to Ebola patients while carrying out their duties in various health facilities in Kampala.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, commended the President for encouraging Ugandans to observe Ebola prevention measures. He noted that the outbreak has already affected several activities, including the cancellation of some international friendly football matches involving the national team, such as those against Zanzibar.

In a related development, the President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Hon. Jimmy Akena, has called for better facilitation of medical interns, saying they play a critical role in Uganda’s healthcare system. His remarks followed government’s confirmation that medical interns will no longer receive monthly allowances as previously provided.

Akena also clarified that UPC is not part of government and announced that the party will hold a National Council meeting this Saturday to discuss the status of the party and other important matters.

“I am using my powers as President of the Uganda People’s Congress to call a National Council meeting this Saturday. We shall discuss the status of UPC and other relevant issues concerning the party,” Akena said.