Disability Activist Condemns Uganda Airlines Over Boarding of South Sudanese Delegation

By Roselyn Oboy

A South Sudanese disability rights activist has condemned Uganda Airlines after three members of a delegation of persons with disabilities were reportedly prevented from boarding a flight to Entebbe, Uganda, where they were scheduled to attend a training organized by Light for the World.

Mandela Isaac said the delegation comprised eight persons with disabilities and two personal assistants. He said all members had completed check-in procedures, cleared airport requirements and received boarding passes before three of them were asked to disembark.

According to Isaac, Uganda Airlines cited a policy limiting the number of persons with disabilities who can travel on the same flight to four.

He described the decision as discriminatory and a violation of the rights of persons with disabilities, saying it caused humiliation and disrupted the delegation’s travel plans.

Isaac said the head of the delegation attempted to engage the airline’s operations manager to resolve the matter, but the decision was not reversed.

The incident reportedly caused delays that resulted in some members of the delegation missing portions of the scheduled training.

Isaac called on Uganda Airlines to provide an explanation for the decision and urged public and private institutions, media organizations and travel companies to respect the rights and freedom of movement of persons with disabilities.

He said safety considerations should not be used as a basis for discrimination, arguing that safety measures should be applied fairly and equally to all passengers.