By; Ibrahim Kigozi G|
DUBAI/KAMPALA — The United Arab Emirates has eased precautionary entry measures that had affected Ugandan travellers, opening a new chapter for travel, business and people-to-people relations between Uganda and the UAE.
The announcement by the UAE authorities comes after continued assessment of the health situation in Uganda and the conclusion of the internationally established monitoring period following the end of the Ebola outbreak. The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, said the measures affecting Ugandan nationals had been eased.
The development is important because the UAE had introduced restrictions in June 2026, including suspension of new visas for Ugandan nationals and restrictions on entry from Uganda, as part of precautionary measures linked to Ebola preparedness. Travellers arriving from Uganda were affected by the restrictions, although cargo and transit operations continued.
The easing of the measures could have a direct impact on Ugandans who depend on the UAE for tourism, business, employment, family visits, medical travel and other activities. Dubai in particular has long been an important destination for Ugandan travellers and a major commercial connection between Uganda and the wider Gulf region.
For Ugandan businesses, the development may also help restore opportunities for trade and investment. The Ugandan Government had already been engaging UAE authorities over the travel restrictions, with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja saying in September that discussions were underway to address restrictions affecting travel from Uganda. The Prime Minister noted that the restrictions were having an impact on trade between the two countries.
The reopening also comes at a time when Uganda and the UAE are seeking to deepen economic relations. Uganda has been promoting investment opportunities in areas including agro-processing, manufacturing, minerals and information and communication technology to UAE-based companies.
However, Ugandans planning to travel should distinguish between the easing of the Ebola-related entry measures and automatic approval of every visa application. Travellers still need to meet the UAE's applicable immigration and visa requirements.
The two countries have also already taken steps to facilitate official travel. In February 2026, Uganda and the UAE operationalised a bilateral visa-waiver agreement covering Ugandan diplomatic and service passport holders, allowing eligible Ugandans to enter the UAE without visas for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The arrangement does not extend to ordinary Ugandan passport holders.
For ordinary travellers, the latest UAE announcement therefore represents an easing of a specific health-related restriction rather than a blanket visa-free arrangement.
For families separated between Uganda and the UAE, traders, tourists, investors and the aviation sector, the development is nevertheless significant. It removes a major health-related barrier and could help normalise movement between the two countries.
The UAE authorities have said they will continue monitoring regional and international health developments and adjust measures according to risk assessments and public-health standards.
For Uganda, the easing offers renewed hope that travel, tourism, business and investment links with one of the country's important Middle Eastern partners can continue with fewer disruptions.