The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has handed over specialized equipment worth approximately USD 199,000 (about Shs755 million) to the Government of Uganda to strengthen the country's response to the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak.
The equipment was officially received at Entebbe International Airport and is intended to enhance surveillance, screening, and infection prevention measures at key points of entry and within affected communities.
Funded by the United States Government through the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD), the donation includes three advanced thermal scanners, a multipurpose tent, and 60 automated hand sanitizer dispensers.
The thermal scanners are high-sensitivity, non-intrusive thermal imaging devices capable of detecting elevated body temperatures in crowded settings in real time, allowing for efficient screening of travellers while minimizing disruption to airport operations.
The equipment will be deployed primarily at Entebbe International Airport and other high-risk locations to support screening and response efforts.
According to health authorities, Uganda had recorded 19 confirmed Ebola cases as of June 8, 2026, including 12 active cases, five recoveries, and two deaths. Hundreds of contacts remain under active monitoring. Most of the cases have been linked to transmission from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting the continued risk posed by cross-border movement.
The handover comes as the Ministry of Health continues to coordinate a nationwide response aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further spread of the disease.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine said the donation addresses critical gaps identified during an earlier assessment of Entebbe Airport's preparedness to prevent the spread of Ebola.
"We will ensure that this equipment is put to good use. We are not resting on our laurels. We must keep the people of Uganda safe, but also keep our neighbours safe. By keeping our neighbours safe, we are also keeping the globe safe," Dr. Atwine said.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi welcomed the donation and pledged that the equipment would be properly maintained and utilized.
"I would like to appreciate this donation to the Government of Uganda. As the Permanent Secretary has said, we shall take good care of the equipment and ensure that it serves its intended purpose," he said.
The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, Jessica Healey, said the support forms part of broader U.S. Government efforts to help countries in the region contain the Ebola outbreak.
"The Department of State, in close coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and in partnership with the governments of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other countries in the region, is continuing to mount a rapid and comprehensive response to the Ebola outbreak," Healey said.
She added that through more than USD 220 million in support, the U.S. Government is helping fund Ebola preparedness and response efforts, including contact tracing, border screening, support to health facilities, and community awareness campaigns aimed at combating misinformation.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda Leonard Zulu commended the United States and other development partners for supporting Uganda's response efforts.
"Across the country, UN agencies are working together to strengthen surveillance and screening at points of entry, support frontline health services, ensure the delivery of lifesaving supplies, and engage communities with accurate risk information," Zulu said.
"Through these collective efforts, we remain fully committed to supporting Uganda to contain the outbreak and protect everyone, everywhere."
The equipment was officially handed over by IOM Uganda Chief of Mission Sanusi Tejan Savage, who emphasized the importance of strengthening frontline detection and surveillance systems.
"Strengthening screening and surveillance capacities at points of entry is critical to stopping the spread of Ebola. This support reinforces our partnership with the Governments of Uganda and the United States to enhance early detection and response, particularly at key ports of entry such as Entebbe International Airport," Savage said.