By Spy Uganda
Vice President Jessica Alupo has arrived in New York to represent President Yoweri Museveni at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, amid US visa restrictions that have limited Uganda’s delegation.
Alupo landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, where she is expected to lead Uganda’s engagements and deliver Museveni’s address.
“I have safely arrived at JFK International Airport ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, where I am scheduled to represent H.E. Y.K. Museveni,” Alupo said.
She was received by Uganda’s acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Godfrey Kwobe, and other officials.
Diplomatic sources said only five Ugandan officials were granted entry visas, leaving several others who had been expected to attend the gathering unable to travel. The identities of those affected have not been publicly disclosed.
The restrictions followed the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In May, the US State Department temporarily paused visa operations in Uganda, the DRC and South Sudan, citing public-health and safety concerns.
The United States also introduced enhanced screening and entry measures for travellers who had recently been in the affected countries.
Uganda declared the Ebola outbreak over in July after completing the required monitoring period without new cases. However, the earlier visa measures have continued to affect some Ugandan travellers.
The reduced delegation comes as Uganda prepares to advance its positions on regional security, climate finance, trade, development financing and reform of international institutions during the high-level UN meetings.
Alupo is expected to hold bilateral engagements and deliver Uganda’s statement to the General Assembly.
The 81st UN General Assembly is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: UN that delivers for all.”
The Vice President’s attendance ensures Uganda will be represented at the high-level session despite the challenges that affected the size of its delegation.
