Museveni Pledges Continued Support to DRC Amidst Ebola Outbreak

President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated Uganda’s dedication to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in its efforts to combat the current Ebola outbreak. During a meeting with DRC’s Minister of Public Health, Dr. Kamba Mulanda Samuel Roger, at State House Entebbe, President Museveni highlighted regional cooperation, early detection, and timely treatment as crucial for controlling the spread.

President Museveni shared Uganda’s recent experience, noting that the country successfully managed its own Ebola cases through prompt identification and effective public health interventions. He explained that despite initial infections among some health workers before the disease was fully recognized, stringent preventive measures halted further local transmission. Uganda treated both Congolese and Ugandan patients, with most making full recoveries.

Addressing concerns about border closure, the President stated that Uganda would not close its frontier with the DRC due to vital cross-border trade and the close familial ties between the two nations. Instead, Uganda has enhanced screening and surveillance at all border points, particularly for cargo, to protect public health while ensuring the continuous flow of essential goods.

To bolster the regional response, President Museveni proposed establishing Ebola treatment centers within eastern DRC, in collaboration with the Congolese government. He believes these centers would allow for prompt patient care near their communities, limit the movement of infected individuals across borders, and ultimately curb the epidemic’s spread.

Uganda stands ready to provide treatment, technical expertise, and any other necessary support to help control the outbreak. “We shall do everything within our means to help because the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo are our brothers and sisters,” President Museveni affirmed. The meeting underscored the deep cooperation between Uganda and the DRC in tackling trans-border health challenges and their collective resolve to safeguard the well-being of their populations through coordinated regional action. Key Ugandan officials including the Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and IGP Abas Byakagaba were present.

Source: State House (Uganda)