UAE Lifts Travel Restrictions on Uganda Post-Ebola Outbreak

Following Uganda’s official declaration of the end of its Ebola outbreak, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted precautionary entry and visa restrictions for Ugandan citizens. The announcement was made by the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) on Saturday.

These stringent measures were initially put in place on June 6, primarily to prevent the potential importation of the Ebola virus into the UAE. The restrictions included a suspension of new visa issuances for nationals from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan, and barred entry for travelers originating from these affected regions, even those in transit, unless they had spent a minimum of 21 days outside these areas.

Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adonia Ayebare, confirmed that high-level discussions with UAE officials were instrumental in securing the lifting of these restrictions. He noted a productive meeting with HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, who informed him of the decision. A delegation from the UAE is expected to visit Uganda within the next week to assess preparedness further.

While Uganda’s restrictions have been removed, similar measures remain in effect for the DRC and South Sudan due to the ongoing epidemiological situations in those countries. Uganda officially declared its Ebola outbreak over on July 28, having completed the required 42-day surveillance period. The outbreak, which began on May 15 with imported cases from the DRC, resulted in 20 confirmed cases, 18 recoveries, and two deaths. The UAE authorities stated they will continue to monitor global Ebola developments and adjust health protocols as necessary.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)