Uganda’s Ministry of Health has raised concern over what it describes as “unfair” travel restrictions imposed on the country in response to the current Ebola outbreak, arguing that the measures are not aligned with the actual public health risk.
Speaking after a high-level meeting involving the Ministry of Health, the Civil Aviation Authority, diplomatic representatives, and airline operators serving Uganda, Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine said the country has maintained full transparency since the outbreak was confirmed.
“Uganda has been transparent from the outset, promptly sharing information and implementing robust measures that have consistently prevented the exportation of Ebola cases beyond our borders,” Dr. Atwine said.
She noted that Uganda has consistently shared timely information with international partners and implemented containment strategies aimed at preventing cross-border transmission.
According to the ministry, no Ebola cases have been exported beyond Uganda’s borders since the outbreak was declared.
Dr. Atwine emphasized that while vigilance from the international community remains necessary, broad travel restrictions risk undermining confidence in countries that report outbreaks openly and act swiftly.
She warned that such measures could discourage transparency in future public health emergencies.
“While we appreciate the need for vigilance, blanket restrictions undermine confidence in countries that report outbreaks openly, and are not commensurate with the actual risk,” she added.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing coordination between aviation stakeholders and health authorities, with discussions focusing on maintaining safe air travel while ensuring compliance with global health protocols.
Airline operators and aviation regulators were urged to balance safety concerns with evidence-based assessments of risk.
Uganda’s health authorities maintain that surveillance systems, contact tracing, and treatment protocols have been strengthened in affected areas.
Dr. Atwine expressed appreciation to countries and airlines that have continued operating routes to Uganda despite the outbreak, describing their decision as a vote of confidence in the country’s public health response.
“We thank the countries and airline operators that have kept their borders and routes open, demonstrating confidence in Uganda’s evidence-based public health measures,” she said.
She reiterated that Uganda remains committed to international health regulations and continued cooperation with global partners to manage the outbreak effectively while minimizing disruption to travel and trade.