Kampala, Uganda – The Ugandan government has expressed its dissatisfaction with the continued restrictions on air travel and international flights to the country, asserting that the measures do not reflect the current health situation following the authorities’ success in containing the Ebola outbreak and controlling infection hotspots.
Ugandan authorities stated that national health institutions, in collaboration with relevant international organizations, have implemented effective surveillance and response programs that have contributed to limiting the spread of the disease. They also noted that the country has strengthened its capabilities in early detection, contact tracing, and rapid response to potential cases.
Officials in Kampala emphasized that the continued imposition of additional travel restrictions by some airlines and international organizations is negatively impacting the national economy, particularly the tourism and investment sectors, as well as affecting the movement of businesspeople, students, and other travelers between Uganda and the rest of the world.
The government added that recent health reports have shown a marked improvement in the epidemiological situation, and that the country has adhered to all recommendations issued by international health bodies. It called for an evaluation of current measures based on scientific data and on-the-ground realities, rather than unfounded fears.
Observers believe that the aviation sector is among the most vulnerable to any pandemic-related restrictions, as these measures lead to a decline in passenger and cargo traffic, which in turn impacts the economic and commercial activity of affected countries.
Uganda hopes that upcoming international reviews of the health situation will help restore confidence in travel to the country, thus facilitating a full recovery of tourism and trade and bolstering its efforts to support economic growth after overcoming the repercussions of the recent health crisis.
