Speaker Oboth Pushes for Lift on UAE Travel Restrictions at BRICS Summit

While attending the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, Uganda’s Speaker, Jacob Marksons Oboth, held high-level bilateral talks with international counterparts to bolster trade and diplomatic ties.

A key agenda item during his meeting with H.E. Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates, was the removal of travel restrictions currently affecting Ugandans. Speaker Oboth emphasized the significance of the UAE as Uganda’s primary export destination, while noting that restrictions were initially linked to regional health concerns that have since been successfully managed.

Beyond travel matters, Oboth expressed a strong desire to diversify Ugandan exports to the UAE. While gold currently dominates trade flows, the Speaker highlighted the potential to introduce more Ugandan coffee, fish, fresh fruits, and processed goods into the Gulf nation’s market, simultaneously encouraging increased foreign investment in domestic processing facilities.

In a separate engagement, Speaker Oboth met with H.E. Zheng Jianbang, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress. Discussions centered on strengthening legislative cooperation and recognizing China’s extensive contributions to Uganda’s infrastructure, including major transport and energy projects.

Oboth welcomed China’s zero-tariff policy for African products, viewing it as a vital avenue for local farmers and manufacturers. Both leaders exchanged formal invitations to visit their respective countries, reinforcing the strategic partnership between Kampala and Beijing.

The Ugandan parliamentary delegation participating in the BRICS forum, held from October 26 to 27, 2026, included the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, alongside several other distinguished legislators.

Read the full report on the Parliament of Uganda.