Kenya has been re-elected for a four-year term to the Postal Operations Council (POC) of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a UN agency that sets global postal standards. This re-election occurred at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

• Kenya retains its place in the 48-member POC, which is the UPU’s technical and operational decision-making body.
• The Kenyan delegation was led by ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo.
• The Dubai Congress also adopted the Dubai Postal Strategy, a blueprint for the next four years focusing on improving service quality, digital transformation, and sustainability.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is implementing new visa restrictions for Ugandan nationals starting in January 2026. This move addresses concerns about immigration abuse and criminal activities, though it is not a complete travel ban.

• The UAE will suspend the issuance of long-term visas for certain categories of Ugandan citizens.
• Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Cooperation Oryem Henry Okello confirmed the restrictions.
• The restrictions primarily target individuals at high risk of overstaying visas or engaging in unlawful activities, with no immediate plans for Ugandan authorities to negotiate a reversal.

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has proposed Daniel Katz, chief of staff to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as the new first deputy managing director. This crucial appointment, considered the IMF’s number two leadership post, is slated to become effective on October 6, pending approval from the IMF’s Executive Board.

• The proposed appointment of Daniel Katz is for the significant role of first deputy managing director at the IMF.
• Katz currently serves as chief of staff to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and has a decade-long association with the Treasury Department.
• This announcement follows the departure of Gita Gopinath from the same position at the end of August.