The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has reassured travelers and tourism stakeholders that Uganda remains safe for tourism and business despite recent Ebola-related concerns linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a statement issued on May 19, 2026, UTB confirmed that Uganda had registered two isolated imported Ebola cases involving Congolese nationals who entered the country from the DRC. Authorities said one patient died and was later repatriated, while the second patient is currently receiving treatment under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.

The tourism body emphasized that Uganda has not recorded any local transmission or community infections.

“Uganda remains safe, open, and welcoming for tourism, business, and investment. Life continues normally,” the statement signed by UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa said.

According to the Board, the Ministry of Health continues to maintain nationwide surveillance, screening, contact tracing, and rapid response systems to prevent any possible spread of the virus.

The latest reassurance comes days after President Yoweri Museveni announced the postponement of the annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations as a precautionary measure against the Ebola outbreak in Eastern Congo.

In his address to the nation, Museveni said Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims from Eastern DRC every year, making large gatherings a potential public health risk.

“After consultations with the national epidemic response task force and religious leaders, we have decided to postpone the Martyrs’ Day to a later date,” Museveni said.

The President urged pilgrims who had already started traveling to return home and continue observing preventive health measures, including reporting suspected cases and encouraging sick individuals to seek medical attention.

Uganda has previously been praised internationally for its swift response to Ebola outbreaks and other infectious diseases. Health authorities say the country’s emergency response systems remain active and prepared to contain imported cases.

Meanwhile, tourism activities across the country, including national parks, hotels, conference facilities, and transport services, continue operating normally.

UTB also encouraged visitors and tourism practitioners to observe standard hygiene practices such as regular handwashing and the use of sanitizers while enjoying Uganda’s tourism destinations.

The reassurance is expected to calm concerns among international travelers and investors following increased regional attention on the Ebola outbreak in parts of Eastern DRC.

Uganda’s tourism sector remains one of the country’s key economic drivers, attracting visitors to destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the Source of the Nile.