President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged Uganda’s continued support to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in its fight against the ongoing Ebola outbreak, saying regional cooperation remains essential to stopping the spread of the deadly disease.
Speaking during a meeting with DRC Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba Mulanda, at State House Entebbe on Wednesday evening, July 22nd, 2026, the President said that Uganda stands ready to share its experience, treatment capacity and technical expertise to help contain the outbreak.
The Congolese minister delivered a special message from the DRC government during the meeting.
Drawing from Uganda’s recent experience, Museveni said the country successfully contained its Ebola cases through early detection, prompt treatment and strict public health measures.
He noted that although several health workers were infected before the disease was identified, authorities quickly brought the situation under control, preventing further local transmission.
Museveni said Uganda treated both Ugandan and Congolese Ebola patients, with most recovering after receiving medical care. He added that the few deaths recorded involved patients who sought treatment too late.
The President also defended Uganda’s decision to keep its border with the DRC open, saying closing it was not an option because of the strong economic and social ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Instead, he said government strengthened screening and surveillance at border entry points, particularly for cargo transport, to protect public health while allowing trade and the movement of essential goods to continue.
To strengthen the regional response, Museveni proposed establishing Ebola treatment centres inside eastern DRC in partnership with the Congolese government.
He said the facilities would enable patients to receive treatment closer to their communities, reduce cross-border movement by infected people and improve efforts to contain the virus.
“We shall do everything within our means to help because the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo are our brothers and sisters,” Museveni said.
The meeting highlighted the continued cooperation between Uganda and the DRC in tackling cross-border health threats through coordinated regional action.
Also present were Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba, UPDF Land Forces Commander Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga and other senior government officials.
