The government has reassured citizens, investors, development partners, and the international community that the country remains fully operational despite ongoing Ebola response efforts, firmly dismissing reports suggesting widespread disruption, school closures, or district lockdowns.
In a statement, Mr Alan Kasujja, the executive director of Uganda Media Centre, framed it the current situation as "Uganda: Business as Usual".
“No schools have been closed. No districts are under lockdown,” the June 1 statement reads.
The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr Dennis Mugimba, also moved to dispel speculation about the closure of educational institutions, warning the public against misinformation circulating on social media.
“Please ignore videos and social media messages speculating about closure of Education Institutions of Learning. Parents and Heads of Institutions of Learning are urged to remain vigilant and observe the SOPs as released by the Ministry of Health,” Mugimba wrote on his X account.
“Only trust information from authorized government sources as you continue with normal learning routines in a safe manner.”
The clarification comes amid what officials describe as growing misinformation and exaggerated reporting regarding Uganda’s Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) situation, which authorities say is creating unnecessary panic and economic disruption.
Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Adonia Ayebare revealed that he had engaged directly with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention over concerns about Ebola reporting involving Uganda.
“Today, I had a productive call with Dr. Jean Kaseya, Head of Africa CDC, and he agreed to correct the errors in their reporting on Ebola cases in Uganda,” Ayebare said.
Government officials argue that some international reporting has incorrectly combined Ebola statistics from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), saying this has distorted the actual situation in Uganda.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of a larger Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, where health authorities continue to manage significantly higher infection numbers.
Officials maintain that Uganda’s cases are mainly linked to cross-border transmission and should not be conflated with the wider outbreak in Congo.
Uganda Media Centre Executive Director Alan Kasujja criticised what he called inaccurate reporting by some international organisations and media outlets, saying it has had negative consequences.
“Because of reckless narratives, livelihoods are being destroyed in Uganda. Entire industries are being affected,” Kasujja stated.
He added that Uganda’s cases are largely associated with movement across the porous border with eastern DRC.
Government officials warned that inaccurate reporting is already affecting key sectors, including tourism, trade, investment, aviation, and regional commerce.
The government’s position was echoed by ICT and National Guidance Minister-designate Justine Kasule Lumumba, who urged the public and media to rely only on official Ministry of Health updates.
“The Government of Uganda notes with concern inaccurate reports on Ebola,” she said.
Lumumba said the outbreak remains under control, adding that all confirmed cases and contacts are being actively monitored.
“Current facts show only eight confirmed cases, with all contacts identified, listed, and under active follow-up,” she stated.
“I urge all media and citizens to rely only on official Ministry of Health updates.”
As of press time, Uganda has recorded nine cumulative confirmed infections, including one death.
The outbreak has drawn international attention, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the situation a public health emergency.
The United States Embassy in Kampala has temporarily suspended visa operations in Uganda as a precautionary measure.
President Museveni has also announced additional public health interventions, including cancellation of this year’s Martyrs Day celebrations, to limit transmission risks.
Health authorities say surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, isolation, and public sensitisation efforts are ongoing as Uganda works to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Uganda Airlines has also suspended its Entebbe–Kinshasa flights effective May 23, 2026, citing public health concerns.
Authorities say investigations and containment operations are ongoing, with further updates expected as the situation develops.
