ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in containing the ongoing Ebola outbreak, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, early detection, and timely treatment in preventing the spread of the deadly disease.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday, July 22, while hosting the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, Dr. Kamba Mulanda Samuel Roger, who delivered a special message from the Congolese government at State House Entebbe.
During the meeting, President Museveni said Uganda had successfully contained its recent Ebola outbreak through early detection, prompt treatment, and the implementation of strict public health measures.
He explained that although several health workers were infected before the disease was identified, the country prevented further local transmission after putting effective containment measures in place.
According to the President, Uganda treated both Congolese and Ugandan Ebola patients, with the majority recovering after receiving timely medical care. He noted that the few deaths recorded involved patients who sought treatment late.
Museveni said Uganda had deliberately kept its border with the DRC open due to the strong economic and social ties shared by the two neighbouring countries.
Instead of closing the border, he said the government strengthened health screening and surveillance at border entry points, particularly for cargo transport, to protect public health while allowing the continued movement of people and essential goods.
To strengthen regional efforts against the disease, President Museveni proposed the establishment of Ebola treatment centres in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in partnership with the Congolese government.
He said the centres would enable patients to receive treatment closer to their communities, reduce cross-border movement of infected persons, and improve efforts to contain the outbreak.
“We shall do everything within our means to help because the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo are our brothers and sisters,” President Museveni said.
The President reiterated Uganda’s readiness to continue providing treatment, technical expertise, and other necessary support to help the DRC contain the outbreak.
The meeting highlighted the close cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in addressing cross-border public health challenges and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to protecting the health and well-being of their citizens through coordinated regional action.
Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine; the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba; and the Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, among other senior government officials.
