Uganda has moved to calm concerns among international airline operators by assuring them that strong and effective measures are in place to prevent the spread of Ebola through the country’s borders.
Government officials emphasized that the situation remains under control and that travellers can continue to move in and out of the country safely.
The assurance was delivered by Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi during a high-level meeting with airline representatives at Entebbe International Airport.
The engagement, organized by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, brought together key stakeholders in the aviation industry to discuss the country’s response to the Ebola outbreak and address concerns from international carriers.
Dr. Baryomunsi told the meeting that Uganda’s health surveillance system remains one of the strongest tools in the fight against infectious diseases.
He explained that health teams are trained to quickly identify suspected Ebola cases, isolate affected individuals, and provide treatment before the disease can spread to the wider community.
The minister also sought to clear up misconceptions surrounding the virus. He stressed that Ebola is different from COVID-19 because it is not transmitted through the air.
Instead, infection occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, making it easier to contain when proper health protocols are followed.
According to the Ministry of Health, the country has not recorded any new Ebola cases in recent days, a development officials believe reflects the effectiveness of the ongoing surveillance and response measures.
The government remains confident that existing systems are capable of detecting and managing any future cases that may arise.
In a further effort to strengthen regional disease control, Uganda announced plans to support the establishment of treatment centres in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials believe this move will help patients access care closer to home and reduce cross-border movement by individuals seeking treatment.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine praised Uganda’s commitment to transparency throughout the outbreak response, noting that authorities have consistently shared information with the public and international partners. She warned that unnecessary travel restrictions could discourage countries from openly reporting outbreaks and may create unwarranted fear despite the actual level of risk remaining low.
Airline representatives who attended the meeting welcomed the engagement and were encouraged to share the information with their senior management teams. Ugandan authorities expressed optimism that continued cooperation with airlines and international health partners will help maintain confidence in the country’s aviation sector while ensuring public health remains fully protected.
