Uganda in talks with US over travel ban

By Our reporter

KAMPALA – Uganda Government has pledged to intensify diplomatic engagements with the United States to have Uganda removed from the Level 4 “Do not travel” advisory, following concerns that the warning is hurting the country’s tourism industry and international travel. According to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kasolo talks with the US will continue, following the level four advisory from the US.

The Minister’s statement followed a matter raised by Kole South County legislator, Hon. Boniface Okot, who warned that the new travel restriction has far-reaching implications on Uganda’s economy.

“Many players in the Tourism sector claim this negative advisory in the country is affecting them and even all Ugandans, a great deal,” said Okot during the plenary sitting on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

On 9 November, 2026, the US State Department re-published Uganda among 23 countries under a do- not travel for any reason advisory, following the Ebola outbreak in the country in July 2026. However, following no new cases in Uganda and the discharge of the last Ebola patient and a required period without no new cases, the World Health Organisation declared Uganda Ebola free.

Minister Kasolo said that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adonia Ayebare previously held bilateral talks with the US Deputy Secretary of State, on 28 August 2026, wherein they pledged to strengthen cooperation.

“Now that the first engagement has not worked, we shall continue with more engagements and we will keep updating Parliament,” Kasolo said.

He recollected the discussions held in the recent meeting, saying that US officials commended Uganda’s efforts in the fight against Ebola and re-affirmed the long-term partnerships between the two countries in responding to disease outbreak.

“Both principles committed to continue cooperation in health matters and issues regarding sovereignty,” Kasolo said.