Uganda Seeks to Reclaim Name from Ebola Virus

The mountainous district of Bundibugyo in western Uganda, home to roughly 200,000 people, is currently facing a reputational challenge due to its name being associated with a strain of Ebola virus. This connection originated from a unique Ebola outbreak in 2007 within the district, which was identified as a new species of the virus and subsequently named Bundibugyo.

While Uganda itself has reported only two imported Ebola cases, both involving Congolese nationals who traveled to Uganda before an outbreak was declared in Congo on May 15, the country is keen to differentiate itself from the epicenter. Ugandan officials are advocating for clearer communication from global health authorities, like the World Health Organization, to prevent the stigmatization of the district and the nation.

President Yoweri Museveni has urged local tourism authorities to combat the perception of widespread Ebola in Uganda and has implemented measures such as postponing a large religious event and suspending public transport and flights between Congo and Uganda. These actions aim to mitigate the risk of cross-border transmission, acknowledging the high risk stemming from commercial activities. Uganda has prior experience with Ebola outbreaks, including a significant one in 2000 that resulted in over 200 deaths, and a localized outbreak in Kampala last year.