By Joseph Kiggundu
KAMPALA.The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has eased precautionary entry restrictions imposed on Ugandan nationals.
The Ebola-related travel restrictions were announced in June 2026, following the outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola in the region. But Uganda has since long been declared Ebola-free with the past cases all having been imported but managed by the Ministry of Health.
The announcement was made by
In a statement, 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),UAE said the easing of the measures was part of efforts to safeguard public health while strengthening preparedness and response to potential health risks.
“The authorities reaffirmed that these measures reflect the UAE’s commitment to protecting public health, strengthening preparedness, and responding to health risks, while continuing to monitor the epidemiological situation and update precautionary measures in line with emerging developments and risk assessments,” the statement said.
Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare welcomed the decision, thanking the UAE government for lifting the restrictions and acknowledging the role played by Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Africa.
“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 were introduced on June 6, 2026, and included a suspension of new visa issuance for Ugandan nationals and entry restrictions for travellers arriving from Uganda.
The easing comes after Uganda brought its Ebola outbreak to an end and completed the subsequent monitoring period.
The development is particularly important for Ugandans who travel to the UAE for employment, trade and other economic opportunities. However ,this publication has learnt that the easing of restrictions favours mostly students , tourists and diplomats ,not majority of Ugandans who seek employment in UAE .
Estimates indicate that between 4,400 and 4,500 Ugandans travel to the UAE annually for employment, while the country’s Ugandan diaspora population is estimated at between 150,000 and 160,000.
Many work in domestic services, cleaning, security, driving, hospitality and retail, while others are employed in professional sectors such as banking, aviation, engineering and transport.
The UAE remains an important destination for Ugandan migrant workers, whose earnings and remittances support families and contribute to Uganda’s foreign exchange inflows.