Traveling to Uganda Amid Ebola Concerns: What You Need to Know

If you’re feeling worried about traveling to Uganda right now due to Ebola concerns, you’re definitely not alone.  Health alerts often cause travelers to hesitate, but hearing directly from someone who has recently been there can help ease those concerns. 

Brent Howland, President of International Messengers, recently returned from Uganda and shared his firsthand experience to offer a clearer perspective. 

Understanding the Situation: What’s Really Happening? 

Brent explained that the Ebola situation in Uganda is very different from what you might hear about nearby countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for example.  He shared, “In Congo, they’ve had over 700 confirmed cases, and it’s still ongoing because it’s in an area not fully controlled by the government.”*  

By contrast, Uganda has had far fewer cases, only 20.  “In a country of 50 million, that’s only about four hundred thousandths of 1% of the population,” Brent said.  What’s more, every case in Uganda has been traced back to just a small number of initial patients and healthcare workers.  There’s no widespread community transmission, which is a big reason for cautious optimism. As of July 28, the Uganda Ministry of Health officially declared the outbreak over. 

*Per the CDC: As of August 1, 2026, the number of confirmed cases in the DRC is now over 3,700. Confirmed cases in Uganda remain at 20.

Life on the Ground: Sensible Precautions, Not Panic 

For those living and working in Uganda, including missionaries, life goes on with thoughtful health practices rather than panic.  Brent observed, “Everywhere you go—public gatherings, gas stations, restaurants—there are government-provided hand sanitizer stations, and you’re expected to use them every time you enter somewhere.”  He emphasized how seriously these public health measures are taken. 

Brent also addressed a common misunderstanding about Ebola’s contagiousness: “You get it from touching vomit, diarrhea, other bodily fluids, or a dead body. It’s not as contagious as people think if you’re informed.  So, unless you’re doing medical work or handling bodies, the risk is extremely low.” 

Traveling Through Airports: What to Expect 

One concern many travelers have is airport screening, both entering Uganda and returning home. 

Brent described the process at Entebbe International Airport: “You go through big thermal scanners. If your temperature is abnormally high, they check your forehead temperature. If it’s over 101.5 degrees, you’re taken to a clinic nearby for a blood test. Everyone on my trip passed through without issue.”  He relayed how straightforward it is: “They have a definitive test—either you have the virus or you don’t.  If not, you get on your flight home.  The only inconvenience might be missing a flight and having to wait a day for results.” This screening system is a new measure since Ebola concerns started. 

Brent also shared what returning travelers can expect at U.S. airports: “At Dulles airport, travelers from Uganda go through a special screened-off area where officials ask questions like where you’ve been and if you have symptoms.  They collect your contact info and forward it to local health officials.”   For follow-up, “They check in on you weekly for three weeks with text messages. It’s really easy, much less stressful than I thought it would be.” 

Addressing Fears and Misinformation 

Brent acknowledged the fears around travel disruptions and quarantine: “We had 25 people back out of trips because they were scared of getting stuck somewhere or quarantined for 21 days. I kept explaining the risk of Ebola is almost zero and the screening process is very manageable.” 

Putting the risk in perspective, he said something that might surprise you: “You’re about 150 times more likely to get hit by lightning than contract Ebola.” His advice to travelers is simple: “Just do what they say and don’t be afraid. Life is full of risks, and this is way down the list.” 

Final Thoughts: Confidence Through Information 

Brent’s bottom line is reassuring: “We’ve done our homework. We understand the facts, and the risk is very low.”  

For anyone worried about canceling trips, he said, “Getting accurate, firsthand information is the best way to travel confidently during health uncertainty.  I’m happy to talk with anyone who has questions.” 

In summary: stay informed, prepare wisely, and don’t let fear keep you from important work or adventures. Safe travel is absolutely possible even during times of health concerns.