Uganda Condemns ‘Unfair’ Ebola Travel Curbs

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Kampala: A growing number of international air travel restrictions connected to the ongoing Ebola outbreak have drawn criticism from Uganda, which has called the measures ‘unfair’ and unsupported by scientific data. Ugandan officials contend that extensive travel restrictions run the risk of harming trade, tourism, and economic activities and that improved screening and monitoring mechanisms are already in place.

The criticism coincides with the introduction of entrance restrictions, quarantine measures, or suspensions of visas for travellers from Uganda and other countries affected by Ebola. Some airlines have also experienced service disruptions. For example, the Dutch airline KLM suspended flights to Entebbe because of issues with international travel regulations that affected both passengers and crews.

Uganda is battling an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo type of Ebola, which has also spread to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization has frequently warned against sweeping travel bans, stating that such measures can drive cross-border mobility underground and impede outbreak response operations.