GITEGA – The Government of Uganda has formally appealed to the international community to lift air travel restrictions imposed after the Ebola outbreak that originated in neighbouring DRC and spilled across the border.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The country’s appeal was made by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo on Wednesday during the virtual African Union (AU) High-Level Meeting of Heads of State in Burundi.
Representing President Yoweri Museveni at the AU meeting hosted by Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye, Vice President Alupo firmly rejected the blanket travel bans as unfair.
She acknowledged the need for vigilance but argued that such restrictions undermine confidence in nations that report outbreaks transparently.
“While I appreciate the need for vigilance, blanket bans erode trust in countries that report openly and do not match the real risk. I thank those who kept borders open, demonstrating confidence in Uganda’s public health approach,” said Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo.
Alupo assured the continental body that Uganda has consistently shared data and implemented robust measures to prevent cross-border Ebola transmission.
The vice president further declared that Uganda poses no exportation risk and urged ambassadors and airlines to immediately lift the restrictions.
Uganda has recorded 19 Ebola cases, with seven patients recovered and discharged, though the nation sadly mourns two deaths, Alupo reported in an encouraging update.
Alupo emphasized that Ebola transcends borders, calling for sustained vigilance, and noted that Uganda has activated a comprehensive response anchored in leadership, community engagement, surveillance, contact tracing, and infection prevention.
She called on African member states to strengthen screening at airports, borders, and points of entry in line with WHO guidance, while working towards a standardized regional locator system for travelers.
She urged transparency and real-time data sharing, intensified resource mobilization through domestic and partner financing, and safeguarding of essential health services like immunization and maternal care.
Alupo stressed the need for sustained political commitment and stronger cross-border collaboration in surveillance, laboratory systems, and risk communication.
She emphasized that fighting Ebola is a collective duty requiring solidarity, reaffirming Uganda’s determination to protect its population and strengthen health systems.
The Vice President, joined by Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to working with the AU, Africa CDC, and WHO to eradicate the virus.
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