President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed what he called exaggerated international reporting on Ebola outbreaks in Africa, arguing that the disease is well understood and far easier to control than COVID-19.
Speaking on the issue of recent Ebola cases reported in parts of Central Africa, Museveni said the global narrative surrounding the disease often creates an impression of widespread catastrophe whenever an outbreak occurs on the continent. He maintained that while Ebola is a serious health threat, it is not an uncontrollable one.
The President noted that Ebola transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, allowing health workers to identify and isolate cases more effectively.
According to him, this makes the disease significantly easier to contain than COVID-19, which spread rapidly across countries through airborne transmission and infected millions before governments could fully respond.
Museveni highlighted Uganda’s long history of dealing with Ebola outbreaks, saying the country has developed extensive experience in surveillance, contact tracing and emergency response. These measures, he said, have repeatedly enabled authorities to stop outbreaks before they spread widely.
He argued that African countries have gained valuable expertise over the years and should not be portrayed as incapable of managing public health emergencies. Instead, he said, international attention should focus on supporting response efforts rather than amplifying fear.
The President’s remarks come as health authorities across the region remain on alert following confirmed Ebola cases in neighbouring areas. Governments and health agencies have intensified monitoring at border points, strengthened disease surveillance and encouraged communities to report suspected cases promptly.
Museveni also emphasized the importance of public cooperation during outbreaks, saying community awareness and adherence to health guidelines remain among the most effective tools in preventing transmission.
His comments are likely to resonate with many African leaders who have previously criticised foreign media coverage of disease outbreaks, arguing that it can sometimes reinforce negative perceptions of the continent while overlooking the resilience and capability of local health systems.
As regional health officials continue efforts to contain the latest outbreak, Museveni insisted that vigilance is necessary but panic is not. He said Africa’s experience over the years has shown that Ebola can be brought under control through swift action, disciplined public health measures and informed communities.
The President’s message was clear: Ebola demands serious attention, but it should not be treated as a threat beyond the capacity of African nations to manage.
