Kabale journalists challenged to lead the fight against Ebola misinformation

Kabale: Health officials in Kabale District have called on journalists to take a frontline role in combating misinformation and promoting accurate public health information as Uganda continues to respond to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

The appeal was made during a training workshop for journalists on Ebola prevention, preparedness, and response under the One Health approach held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Rukiko Hall in Kabale District.

Speaking at the training, Kabale District Health Officer, Dr. Gilbert Matteka, warned that misinformation and false claims about Ebola pose a significant threat to public health efforts and could contribute to the spread of the disease.

“There are people spreading misconceptions that Ebola is a scam. Such misinformation can undermine prevention efforts and accelerate the spread of the disease within communities,” Dr. Matteka said.

He urged journalists to use their platforms responsibly by providing accurate information and helping communities understand the importance of preventive measures.

Dr. Matteka emphasized that members of the public should continue observing key Ebola prevention measures, including regular hand washing, avoiding contact with suspected cases, and reporting any symptoms promptly to health authorities.

The Health Educator at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Angelo Rutaramwa, described journalists as critical partners during disease outbreaks because of their influence and reach within communities.

“Many people are quick to believe rumors rather than verified information. Journalists have a responsibility to counter misinformation and report rumors to health authorities for verification,” Rutaramwa said.

He urged media practitioners to exercise caution when reporting health-related information and ensure that all facts are verified before publication.

Rutaramwa also called upon Ugandans to remain vigilant by maintaining preventive behaviors, particularly regular hand washing and adherence to public health guidelines aimed at preventing Ebola transmission.

“Journalists are trusted sources of information. They play a vital role in educating communities about health risks and prevention measures. We need stronger collaboration between the media and health workers to ensure the public receives timely and accurate information,” he added.

According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda is currently managing 19 confirmed Ebola cases, with 14 linked to a family that entered the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health authorities have reported encouraging progress in containment efforts, noting that no new Ebola cases had been registered for three consecutive days as of June 10, 2026.

In a recent national address, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said Uganda had gone five consecutive days without recording a new Ebola case, describing the situation as increasingly under control.

The President noted that most of the infections were linked to imported cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo and urged the public to remain vigilant.

“Ebola can be prevented through careful observance of public health measures,” President Museveni said, assuring Ugandans that government response teams remain fully engaged in surveillance, contact tracing, and treatment efforts.

Health authorities continue to monitor contacts, strengthen screening at points of entry, and work closely with regional and international partners to prevent further spread of the disease.

The training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen risk communication and community engagement, with journalists expected to play a central role in disseminating accurate information and supporting Uganda’s Ebola response.

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