Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has urged the international community to take a measured approach to reporting on Ebola outbreaks in Africa, arguing that the disease is far more manageable than COVID-19 and should not trigger widespread panic.
Speaking on May 21 amid renewed global attention on Ebola cases in parts of Central Africa, Museveni said some international media organizations often portray outbreaks in a manner that exaggerates the threat while overlooking the effectiveness of African public health responses.
The President noted that Ebola, though highly dangerous, spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, making it easier for health authorities to trace infections and contain transmission. He contrasted this with COVID-19, which spread rapidly through airborne transmission and evolved into a global pandemic that affected virtually every country in the world.
According to Museveni, the nature of Ebola transmission allows health officials to quickly identify contacts, isolate patients, and implement targeted interventions aimed at stopping the spread of the virus. He said these measures have repeatedly proven successful in African countries that have faced outbreaks in the past.
Uganda, which has experienced several Ebola outbreaks over the years, has built a reputation for swift and coordinated responses. The country has relied on surveillance systems, community health networks, and rapid response teams to contain infections and prevent wider transmission.
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Museveni said this experience demonstrates that African nations possess both the knowledge and institutional capacity required to confront Ebola outbreaks effectively. He argued that public confidence should be strengthened by these achievements rather than weakened by alarmist narratives.
Museveni moves to deflect Ebola fear
The President also warned that excessive fear can have unintended consequences, including disrupting economic activity, affecting travel and creating unnecessary anxiety among populations that are not directly affected by an outbreak.
His remarks come as regional health authorities continue to monitor developments and reinforce preparedness measures. Health workers remain on alert, while governments maintain surveillance and public awareness campaigns to ensure that any suspected cases are detected and managed quickly.
While emphasizing the need for continued vigilance, Museveni maintained that Ebola outbreaks should be viewed through the lens of experience and evidence rather than fear. He said Africa’s history of successfully containing the virus offers reason for confidence.
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As the region remains focused on preventing further spread, the President’s message underscored a broader point: Ebola is a serious public health challenge, but one that African countries have repeatedly shown they can overcome through discipline, preparedness, and effective leadership.
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