By Maria Mariam Namala
NEW DELHI – Speaker of Parliament Jacob Markson Oboth has urged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to lift travel restrictions imposed on Ugandans following the Ebola outbreak in a neighbouring country, saying Uganda had taken measures to protect its citizens and visitors from the disease.
Oboth raised the matter during bilateral talks with the Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council (FNC), Saqr Ghobash, on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in New Delhi, India, earlier this week.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral and parliamentary relations between Uganda and the UAE, as well as expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment and economic partnerships.
“We discussed the issue of lifting travel restrictions imposed on Uganda due to Ebola, which was an invasion of a neighbouring country that we have shielded our citizens and tourists from. The UAE matters a great deal to Uganda. It is our largest export market,” Oboth said.
The Speaker’s intervention follows a recent visit by Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Adonia Ayebare, to the UAE, where he held discussions with his counterpart on the same restrictions. The UAE is yet to announce a decision on the matter.
Oboth also called for greater diversification of Uganda’s exports to the Gulf country, noting that gold accounts for a significant share of the country’s exports to the market.
“Much of what we sell to the UAE is gold. I want to see more Ugandan coffee, fish, fruit and other processed goods reach that market, and more investment in processing at home,” he said.
He added that parliaments have an important role in strengthening bilateral relations by facilitating people-to-people connections, sharing experiences and ensuring follow-up on agreements reached by governments.
In a separate engagement, Oboth held talks with Zheng Jianbang, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, where the two sides discussed strengthening parliamentary and economic cooperation.
Oboth described relations between Uganda and China as cordial, saying Uganda could learn from China’s parliamentary system. He also highlighted China’s position as one of Uganda’s leading sources of foreign direct investment and acknowledged the contribution of Chinese-supported projects, including the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway and the Isimba and Karuma hydropower plants.
He welcomed China’s decision to grant African products duty-free access to its market, saying the arrangement presented opportunities for Ugandan farmers and manufacturers to expand their exports.
“China’s decision to open its market to African products without tariffs gives our farmers and manufacturers an opportunity. I hope to see more Ugandan coffee, fish and processed goods reach Chinese consumers,” Oboth said.
Speaker Oboth (L) with HE Zheng
During the meeting, Zheng acknowledged the importance of parliamentary democracy and accepted an invitation to visit Uganda. He also invited Oboth to China.
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held at Samvidhan Sadan, Parliament House Estate, from October 26 to 27, 2026, under the theme, “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development.”
Oboth was accompanied by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, Betty Nakisita Mpongo, Sowedi Ismail Mulemya and Annet Katusiime Mugisha.