Uganda calls for stronger regional coordination as Ebola spreads

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has urged countries across East and Central Africa to strengthen cooperation in the fight against Ebola, warning that coordinated action is critical to preventing the disease from spreading across borders.

Museveni made the remarks during a meeting with World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at State House Entebbe on Monday.

According to a statement from the presidency, the Ugandan leader reaffirmed his government's commitment to containing the outbreak, highlighting the country's surveillance, prevention and response measures. He said Uganda is working closely with neighboring states, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.

Museveni revealed that he has been in discussions with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi on ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in responding to the outbreak.

"We have been engaging our counterparts in the DRC to ensure that we work together in addressing this challenge," Museveni said.

ar, including 14 people who entered the country from the DRC. Health authorities report that no new infections have been detected in the last three days.

Tedros praised Uganda's handling of the outbreak and commended the government's decision to suspend this year's Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, which typically attract millions of pilgrims. He described the move as a responsible public health measure aimed at preventing a potential super-spreader event.

The WHO chief also pledged continued support to Uganda through funding, logistics, technical expertise and personnel, while calling on leaders across the region to intensify joint efforts to contain the disease.

Uganda's Ministry of Health says the country has recorded 19 confirmed Ebola cases so far.