MUSEVENI DOWNPLAYS EBOLA FEARS, SAYS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM

An anti-Ebola advocacy van drives along Kyadondo road amid the Ebola outbreak and alert in Kampala, Uganda October 27, 2022.

DAILY MONITOR

President Yoweri Museveni has assured Ugandans and the international community that there is no cause for alarm as far as Ebola is concerned, noting that the government is applying targeted measures and continues to work scientifically to keep the people safe while keeping the economy open.

Speaking yesterday at the launch of the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) at Munyonyo Resort Hotel, Mr Museveni criticised the international media for spreading false information and creating unnecessary panic about the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.

“I noticed there is a lot of panic created by people who don’t know science very much about Ebola. I was watching CNN spreading fear through ignorance. Ebola is much easier to control than Corona. Corona was one of the biggest problems in the world, one of the most dangerous pandemics,” Mr Museveni said.

He explained that unlike Covid-19, Ebola, which spreads very fast through the air, Ebola is spread through body contact with an infected person, making it easy to control.

“Corona-19 was very dangerous, and Uganda was the most successful country in the whole world, while Ebola is nothing compared to Corona-19,” Mr Museveni said.

According to the President, Uganda has not registered any national case of Ebola, noting that the only two registered cases are of Congolese nationals.

“The correct description of the outbreak is that it is mainly in Congo. But, with a few people who came from Congo to here (Uganda),” Mr Museveni said.

The President emphasised that early detection and treatment remain key in Ebola management, noting that Ebola can be treated if the case is reported on time to the health facility.

He urged the public to avoid handshakes but rather adopt other preventive measures to contain the spread of the virus and reassured tourists and investors that Uganda remains safe.

He emphasised that Uganda remains one of the most unique tourism destinations because of its favourable climate, rich culture, peace and natural beauty.

“As our economy grows towards upper-middle-income status, we shall also improve the tourism experience, including friendlier visa arrangements to attract more visitors,” Mr Museveni said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an Ebola outbreak last week following the death of a Congolese national who was receiving treatment for Ebola at Kibuli Hospital, while the second patient, also a Congolese national, is currently receiving treatment under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.

All those who were in contact with the patient have been put under isolation for close monitoring.

POATE 2026, scheduled to run from May 21 to 23, organised by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), has attracted exhibitors, international buyers, investors, and tourism enthusiasts from across the globe.

Uganda Tourism Board reassured tourists that Uganda remains safe for travel, amidst Ebola reports linked to Congo.

Ms Juliana Kagwa, Chief Executive Officer of UTB, explained that Uganda remains safe, open and welcoming for tourists, business and investment.

Ms Kaggwa urged tourists and investors that Uganda remains on alert, she urged them to observe standard hygiene practices, including regular hand washing, use of sanitisers while enjoying Uganda’s diverse tourism experience.

“Uganda is internationally recognised for managing Ebola outbreaks and other epidemics. Tourism activities, National Parks, hotels, conference venues, and transport services continue to operate,” she said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Ms Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, noted that the tourism sector continues to create jobs for young people.

“Tourism continues to create jobs for our young people, to empower communities, to generate foreign exchange, stimulate investment, conserve the environment and support multiple sectors of the economy through its multiplier effect. Indeed, it remains one of the clearest demonstrations that conservation and economic development can work hand in hand,” Ms Katusiime said.

POATE is taking place alongside an ongoing event that the same facility hosts, the Pan African Convention of royals, investors and diaspora leaders.

The convention, which started on Thursday, 21st, will run to May 25th, bringing together delegates from across Africa and the diaspora for a series of high-profile events that include the 8th AIDO Conference, the Royal Summit, the Pan African Diaspora Economic and Investment Forum, the Pan African Impact Awards, and the 63rd African Liberation Day celebrations.

AIDO Pan-African Summit and the United African Royal Assembly bring together African monarchs, traditional leaders (kings, queens, sultans, and chiefs), diaspora leaders, diplomats, and investors.

Organisers said the summit is aimed at deepening continental partnerships, promoting economic transformation and celebrating Africa’s cultural identity and shared heritage at a time when calls for stronger African cooperation are growing.