KAMPALA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan nationals can enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after spending at least 21 days outside their country, following a partial easing of Ebola-related travel restrictions, Uganda's foreign minister said Wednesday.
In a post on social media platform X, Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs Adonia Ayebare welcomed the decision and thanked the UAE government for easing the restrictions.
Under the new guidelines, Ugandan nationals are allowed to enter the UAE provided at least 21 days have elapsed since their departure from Uganda.
Ugandan students who enrolled in educational institutions in the UAE before June 2026 are also permitted to return, accompanied by their family members, subject to approved health procedures.
Humanitarian and medical travel applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with medical travelers required to provide reports detailing their diagnoses and treatment arrangements.
In a separate post on X, Diana Atwine, permanent secretary at Uganda's Ministry of Health, said she and Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi had briefed UAE authorities on measures taken by Uganda to safeguard the health and safety of its citizens and other travelers.
Atwine said they had received assurances that the UAE had lifted all travel restrictions on Ugandans.
"We call upon other countries with which we share diplomatic relations to trust Uganda's proven expertise and experience in epidemic preparedness and response, which have made us a Center of Excellence for other countries to learn from. We urge them to open up. Uganda is safe!" she said.
Uganda had protested travel restrictions imposed by several countries, including the United States, following Ebola outbreaks in the region, arguing that blanket restrictions were unfair and failed to recognize the country's public health response.
Uganda declared its latest Ebola outbreak over on July 28 after completing the required 42-day monitoring period without recording any new infections. ■
