Your Safety Is Our Priority: UTB Assures Tourists Amid Ebola Concerns

By Frank Kamuntu

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has moved to reassure international travellers and tourism stakeholders that Uganda remains safe for travel despite concerns arising from a recent cluster of Ebola cases linked to cross-border movement from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, UTB said Uganda had recorded 15 Ebola cases, all traced to individuals who entered the country from the DRC. The affected persons were promptly identified, isolated, and placed under medical care under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.

The tourism body noted that, apart from one Congolese national who died more than two weeks ago, no other Ebola-related deaths have been registered in the country.

UTB said the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies, had swiftly activated disease containment measures, including enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, screening at points of entry, monitoring of contacts, and temporary restrictions on movement across the Uganda-DRC border.

In the statement signed by UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa, the board emphasized that Uganda’s tourism sector remains fully operational and that all tourism facilities across the country continue to receive visitors under established public health guidelines.

“Travellers and tourism practitioners are encouraged to continue observing standard health and hygiene measures, including regular handwashing, use of hand sanitisers, and adherence to guidance issued by the Ministry of Health,” the statement said.

The reassurance comes at a time when the tourism industry, one of Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earners, is closely watching the potential impact of health-related travel advisories and perceptions among international visitors.

UTB highlighted Uganda’s experience in successfully managing previous public health emergencies, noting that the country has developed strong disease surveillance and response systems capable of containing outbreaks while maintaining normal economic and tourism activities.

“The Government of Uganda remains committed to safeguarding the health and safety of residents and visitors alike. Our health systems remain vigilant, well-prepared, and fully engaged in managing the situation,” the statement added.

The board urged travellers, tour operators, investors, and development partners to rely on official information from the Ministry of Health and other government agencies, while reaffirming Uganda’s status as a safe and welcoming tourism destination.

The latest assurance is intended to bolster confidence in Uganda’s tourism sector, which has been recovering steadily and continues to attract visitors to its national parks, wildlife reserves, cultural sites, and other attractions despite regional public health challenges.