Uganda criticises travel restrictions over Ebola outbreak

Uganda criticises travel restrictions over Ebola outbreak
A Ugandan worker collects a rubber glove from the airing line in Mulago suburb, of Kampala, Uganda, 8 June 2026.
Reuters

Uganda’s health ministry has raised concerns over what it described as unfair travel restrictions imposed during the current Ebola outbreak, warning that such measures risk undermining transparent reporting. .

Speaking after discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority, diplomatic representatives and airline operators, Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine said Uganda had been open about the outbreak from the outset, sharing information promptly and implementing strong controls to prevent the virus from spreading beyond its borders.

While acknowledging the importance of vigilance, Dr. Atwine said broad restrictions were disproportionate to the actual risk and could discourage countries from reporting outbreaks transparently.

She also thanked the countries and airlines that have kept routes open, saying their decision reflected confidence in Uganda’s evidence-based public health response.

Difficulty with outbreak containment

Health experts say Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo are particularly challenging to contain due to the country’s vast geography, weak health infrastructure in remote areas and ongoing insecurity in the eastern provinces.

Armed conflict and population displacement often disrupt surveillance and response efforts, making it harder for medical teams to trace contacts and isolate new cases quickly.

Previous outbreaks in the country have highlighted both progress and persistent gaps in response capacity. While vaccination campaigns and rapid response protocols have improved over recent years, limited access to healthcare, community mistrust, and cross-border movement continue to pose significant risks of further spread, not only within the country but across the wider region.

 

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