Hajj authorities in Saudi Arabia have denied Ugandan pilgrims visas for the pilgrimage next month because of fears over the deadly Ebola fever, the London-based Asharq Al Awsat reported on Monday, quoting an official at the Hajj Ministry as saying.
The decision was based on a report by the World Health Organization (WTO) confirming that the incurable epidemic has been detected in the African country where 173 people died last September.
The official added that Uganda’s quota of pilgrims is 150, a small number that can me made up for in the coming years.
In the same context, authorities have listed a number of countries on the ban list that included 26 African and South American countries. Pilgrims from these countries must meet certain conditions before they are issued Hajj visas.
The official stressed that the precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the pilgrims from all Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia.
More than two million Muslims from around the world perform the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, and visit Madina, where Prophet Mohammad is buried – Albawaba.com
