Uganda Rugby Withdraws Rugby Cranes 7s from Mauritius Sevens Over Ebola-Linked Restrictions

Uganda Rugby has announced that the Rugby Cranes 7s team will not participate in the 2026 Rugby Africa Mauritius Sevens tournament due to travel restrictions linked to the recent Ebola outbreak.

In a statement issued on June 10, 2026, Uganda Rugby said the decision was beyond its control and was influenced by measures put in place by Mauritian authorities.

According to Uganda Rugby, Mauritius has temporarily banned entry for foreign nationals who are travelling from, transiting through, or who have been present in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.

The union said these restrictions made it impossible for the Rugby Cranes 7s team to travel and compete in the tournament.

“Uganda Rugby would like to inform stakeholders and fans that the Rugby Cranes 7s will not participate in the 2026 Rugby Africa Mauritius Sevens,” the statement said.

The federation added that the decision follows “the recent Ebola outbreak, and the temporary prohibition of entry into Mauritius.”

Also Read: Uganda Warns Male Ebola Survivors to Avoid Sex for At Least 6 Months as Cases Rise

Uganda Rugby Exploring Alternative Qualification Path

Despite the setback, Uganda Rugby said it is already working with Rugby Africa and the tournament committee to find a solution regarding qualification opportunities.

“Rugby Africa, the Rugby Committee, and Uganda Rugby are actively engaging to explore possibilities for HSBC Division 3 Qualification,” the statement noted.

The discussions are expected to determine whether Uganda can still have a pathway to qualification despite missing the tournament.

Also Read: Canada Announces Travel Ban for Three African Countries Over Ebola Fears

Country Battles Ebola Outbreak

Uganda is currently dealing with an Ebola outbreak that has prompted several countries to tighten health and travel measures.

The outbreak was officially declared by the Ministry of Health earlier this year after cases of the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus were confirmed in the country.

Health authorities, supported by international partners, launched contact tracing, surveillance, public awareness campaigns and treatment efforts to contain the disease.

Although Uganda has previously managed and successfully contained several Ebola outbreaks, the latest cases have continued to attract international attention because of the highly infectious nature of the virus.

As a precaution, some countries and territories have introduced temporary travel restrictions or enhanced screening measures for travelers arriving from Uganda and neighboring countries.