Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has engaged his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and deepening parliamentary cooperation, with the lifting of travel restrictions on Ugandans imposed by the UAE topping discussions.
The engagements took place on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in New Delhi, India, from October 26 to 27, 2026.
During a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council, HE Saqr Ghobash, Oboth raised concerns over travel restrictions imposed on Uganda following the Ebola outbreak, arguing that the measures should be reconsidered given Uganda’s efforts to protect its citizens and visitors.
“We discussed the issue of lifting travel restrictions imposed on Uganda due to Ebola, which was an invasion from 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 two delegations also explored ways of strengthening bilateral and parliamentary relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Oboth’s intervention follows a recent visit to the UAE by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Adonia Ayebare, who held discussions with his Emirati counterpart on the same matter. The UAE is yet to communicate its position on the request.
Beyond the travel restrictions, the Speaker called for diversification of Uganda’s exports to the UAE, noting that the country’s trade potential extends beyond gold to agricultural and processed products.
“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 emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy could play an important role in strengthening relations by facilitating people-to-people connections, sharing legislative experiences and ensuring follow-up on agreements reached between the two governments.
Oboth Seeks Deeper Parliamentary and Trade Cooperation with China
In a separate engagement, Oboth held bilateral talks with HE Zheng Jianbang, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, during which the two sides discussed strengthening relations and expanding parliamentary cooperation.
Oboth acknowledged the longstanding cordial relations between Uganda and China, describing China’s parliamentary system as one from which Uganda could draw valuable institutional and legislative experience.
He also highlighted the importance of expanding economic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and value addition.
China is among Uganda’s leading sources of foreign direct investment, with bilateral cooperation contributing to the implementation of major infrastructure projects, including the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway and the Isimba and Karuma hydropower plants.
Oboth welcomed China’s decision to open its market to African products without tariffs, saying the initiative presents opportunities for Ugandan farmers, manufacturers and exporters to access a wider market.
“China’s decision to open its market to African products without tariffs gives our farmers and manufacturers an opportunity,” he said.
He expressed hope that the arrangement would facilitate increased exports of Ugandan coffee, fish and processed products to Chinese consumers, while encouraging greater investment in domestic processing and manufacturing.
On parliamentary relations, Zheng acknowledged the importance of parliamentary democracy and accepted Oboth’s invitation to visit Uganda. He also extended an invitation to the Ugandan Speaker to visit China, signalling mutual interest in strengthening institutional ties and legislative cooperation.
Parliamentary Diplomacy Takes Centre Stage
The engagements formed part of Uganda’s participation in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, held at Samvidhan Sadan, Parliament House Estate, under the theme, “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development.”
The forum, which brought together parliamentary leaders and delegations from participating countries, provided a platform for discussing the role of legislatures in promoting inclusive development, international cooperation and stronger institutional partnerships.
Uganda’s engagements with the UAE and China underscore the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing government-to-government relations, particularly in advancing trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people cooperation.
Speaker Oboth was accompanied by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi; Hon. Betty Nakisita Mpongo; Hon. Sowedi Ismail Mulemya; and Hon. Annet Katusiime Mugisha.
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