KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government will establish a shelter in Dubai for its nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced.
The shelter, set to be operational in the Financial Year 2025/2026, aims to provide temporary refuge for Ugandans facing difficulties in the UAE. PM Nabbanja made the announcement during a networking dinner with Ugandan diaspora leaders in Abu Dhabi.
“In the Financial Year 2025/2026, the Uganda Government will support the Uganda Consulate in Dubai to set up a shelter for stranded Ugandans,” PM Nabbanja said.
UAE Minister of State Foreign Affairs in charge of Africa, Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, praised Uganda’s efforts. “The Ugandan community has a good reputation in the UAE, distinguishing themselves as friendly, hardworking, trustworthy, and transparent,” he said.
Diaspora leaders welcomed the initiative. “We appreciate the government’s commitment to our welfare,” said Abdul Basit Nsubuga. “The shelter will provide a safe haven for those in distress.”
Robert Kamoga, another diaspora leader, highlighted the challenges faced by Ugandans in the UAE. “Holding valid passports is not optional for people living abroad,” Kamoga said. “We request the government to grant amnesty for people who have lost passports.”
PM Nabbanja assured the leaders that agricultural inputs are already tax-exempt and pledged to inform President Yoweri Museveni about their requests.
“Besides the number of incentives for Ugandan citizens being more, agricultural inputs are already tax-exempt,” PM Nabbanja said. “I will inform H.E. the President about the requests of the diaspora in the UAE.”
PM Nabbanja accepted an invitation to the Diaspora Annual Convention in November 2025.
