The development is expected to benefit thousands of Ugandans who travel to the UAE for employment, business, trade and other economic opportunities.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has relaxed travel restrictions imposed on Ugandan nationals in June 2026 over concerns about the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, paving the way for improved movement between the two countries.
The decision was announced by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
In a joint statement, the authorities said the adjustment of the precautionary measures was intended to maintain public health safeguards while strengthening the country’s preparedness to respond to emerging health threats.
They added that the UAE would continue monitoring the epidemiological situation and adjust its health measures in line with emerging developments and risk assessments.
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Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Adonia Ayebare, welcomed the decision, expressing gratitude to the UAE government and acknowledging the role of Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Africa, in facilitating the development.
“This is to thank the Friendly Government of United Arab Emirates for lifting Ebola-related travel restrictions. I thank my Brother and Friend Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Africa, for his leadership and assistance,” Ayebare said.
The restrictions, introduced on June 6, 2026, included the suspension of new visa issuance to Ugandan nationals and entry limitations on travellers arriving from Uganda.
The relaxation follows Uganda’s declaration of the end of its Ebola outbreak and the completion of the subsequent monitoring period.
The development is expected to benefit thousands of Ugandans who travel to the UAE for employment, business, trade and other economic opportunities.
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Estimates indicate that between 4,400 and 4,500 Ugandans travel to the UAE annually for employment, while the Ugandan diaspora in the Gulf country is estimated at between 150,000 and 160,000 people.
Many Ugandans working there are employed in domestic services, cleaning, security, driving, hospitality and retail, while others work in specialised fields such as banking, aviation, engineering and transport.
The UAE, particularly Dubai, is also a major trading destination for Ugandan businesspeople who source electronics, clothing, jewellery and other merchandise for resale in Uganda.
The country remains an important source of employment and income for Ugandan migrant workers, whose earnings and remittances support families back home and contribute to Uganda’s foreign exchange inflows.
The easing of the restrictions is therefore expected to restore confidence among travellers, workers and traders who rely on the longstanding economic and social ties between the two countries.
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