Uganda Tourism Board has moved to reassure travel partners and visitors that tourism operations across the country are continuing as normal following reports of two imported Ebola cases linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the tourism board, the cases involved Congolese nationals who crossed into Uganda from the DRC. One patient died in a Kampala hospital on May 14, 2026, before the body was repatriated to the DRC the same day, while a second patient remains under medical supervision by Uganda’s Ministry of Health.
Authorities have confirmed there is currently no local transmission or community spread of Ebola within Uganda.
Uganda Tourism Board said national parks, safari lodges, hotels, conference venues, transport services and tourism activities remain fully operational, with scheduled travel programs continuing as planned.
Health officials have already traced individuals who came into contact with the deceased patient, including health workers, relatives and friends, while ongoing surveillance, screening and contact tracing measures remain in place.
The tourism board also highlighted Uganda’s extensive experience in successfully managing Ebola outbreaks and other public health challenges, noting that rapid response systems and containment protocols were activated immediately.
Visitors and tourism operators are being encouraged to continue following standard hygiene practices including regular handwashing and use of sanitiser, while the Ministry of Health has urged anyone displaying symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
Possible Ebola symptoms include sudden fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, chest pain, unexplained bleeding and yellowing of the eyes.
For the Australian travel trade, the update provides reassurance that Uganda remains open for tourism, business and investment, with tourism authorities keen to ensure confidence remains strong ahead of the peak gorilla trekking season.
