Taipei: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced on Saturday that it is actively engaged in negotiations with Ugandan authorities following reports of two Taiwanese nationals encountering entry and passport complications in the East African nation.

According to Focus Taiwan, one Taiwanese tourist was denied entry into Uganda and subsequently repatriated earlier this month. Another Taiwanese national, who possesses a work permit in Uganda, experienced a passport seizure upon returning to the country. MOFA has confirmed its awareness of these incidents and is taking diplomatic steps to address the situation. Taiwan's representative office in the Republic of Somaliland, responsible for Ugandan affairs, is currently in discussions with Ugandan officials to resolve the matter.

MOFA speculates that these incidents may be tied to Taiwan's 90-day entry ban on travelers from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This ban, effective as of June 2, aims to curb the spread of Ebola and is enforced by Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control. Exemptions to the restrictions include students enrolled in degree programs, diplomatic and official visitors, spouses and children of Taiwanese citizens, and individuals traveling for urgent or humanitarian reasons.

MOFA has issued a travel advisory, urging the public to thoroughly evaluate the risks before considering travel to Uganda. Taiwanese nationals in need of emergency assistance while in Uganda are advised to contact Taiwan's representative office in Somaliland at +252-636-292-616 or reach out to MOFA's emergency hotline at +886-800-085-095.