KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has defended Africa’s handling of Ebola outbreaks, arguing that the disease is far more manageable than COVID-19 and warning against what he described as exaggerated reporting that fuels unnecessary fear about outbreaks on the continent.
Speaking amid heightened international attention on Ebola cases in Central Africa, President Museveni said some foreign media outlets often portray outbreaks in Africa in a sensational manner while ignoring the effectiveness of local public health systems and emergency response mechanisms.
“Ebola is not like COVID-19,” President Museveni said, noting that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, making it easier for health authorities to identify cases, trace contacts, and interrupt transmission.
He contrasted this with COVID-19, which spread rapidly across borders through airborne transmission and overwhelmed even some of the world’s most advanced health systems within a short period.
The President said Africa’s long experience with Ebola has enabled countries such as Uganda to build strong surveillance systems, emergency response teams, and community awareness programmes capable of containing outbreaks before they escalate into national crises.
Uganda is regarded as one of Africa’s most experienced countries in responding to Ebola outbreaks, having managed multiple outbreaks over the years through rapid case detection, isolation, contact tracing, and public health mobilisation.
President Museveni said these experiences demonstrate that African countries possess the expertise and institutional capacity needed to respond effectively to Ebola outbreaks.
He also criticised reporting that he said amplifies fear without adequately reflecting the realities on the ground or the progress made by African health authorities.
According to President Museveni, exaggerated narratives surrounding Ebola outbreaks risk damaging public confidence, disrupting economic activity, and undermining trust in national health systems.
His remarks come as countries across the region strengthen preparedness measures following reports of Ebola cases in neighbouring states. Governments have increased screening at border points, intensified public awareness campaigns, and enhanced surveillance systems to reduce the risk of further spread.
Health experts continue to stress that although Ebola outbreaks can be controlled, rapid response remains critical. They say effective containment depends on early detection, isolation of infected persons, contact tracing, and strong cooperation between communities and health authorities.
President Museveni’s comments reflect a message he has repeatedly emphasised during previous outbreaks — that Africa has developed the knowledge, experience, and public health capacity necessary to confront Ebola successfully when appropriate measures are implemented promptly.
