The United States has rolled out stricter visa controls affecting Ugandan travellers, introducing a refundable bond of up to US$15,000 and limiting the validity of some non-immigrant visas, as Washington intensifies enforcement of its immigration laws amid national security concerns.
Speaking at the American Centre in Kampala on February 5, U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp said the measures reflect a renewed emphasis by the Trump administration on compliance with immigration rules. While reaffirming strong people-to-people ties between the two countries, he stressed that non-immigrant visas are a privilege rather than a right and must be used strictly for their stated purpose.
Since July 2025, tourist and business visas issued to Ugandan citizens have been restricted to a single entry and shortened to three months’ validity. On January 21, 2026, Uganda was added to an expanded U.S. Visa Bond pilot programme, requiring eligible B-1 and B-2 visa applicants to post a refundable bond of up to US$15,000 before travel. The bond is returned after the visitor enters the U.S., complies with visa conditions, and departs on time, but may be forfeited in cases of overstay, legal violations, or attempts to change immigration status.
At the same time, the U.S. Department of State temporarily paused the issuance of new immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Uganda, pending a review. Applications and interviews continue, and previously issued immigrant visas remain valid. The pause does not affect non-immigrant categories such as students, tourists, business travellers, or skilled workers.
U.S. officials insist the policy is not punitive. Consular Section Chief Tania Romanoff said the decision is driven by data on overstay rates and attempts by visitors to change status after arrival. She warned applicants against paying any bond before their visa interview, noting that only those approved for B-1 or B-2 visas will be informed of the bond requirement. Once a traveller departs the United States, the bond is refunded within 30 days, provided all conditions are met.
Romanoff said sponsors, including family members, churches, or business partners in the United States, may pay the bond on behalf of Ugandan travellers. Students are exempt from the bond requirement and are admitted for the duration of their studies, provided they maintain legal status.
According to U.S. Department of Homeland Security data for fiscal year 2024, Uganda recorded an overstay rate of 6.56 percent, with 601 suspected overstays out of 9,164 expected departures. Student overstays were higher, at 12.3 percent. U.S. officials say such figures underpin the expanded scrutiny applied to Uganda and several regional neighbours.
Ugandan authorities have publicly backed the U.S. position. Margaret Kafeero, head of public diplomacy at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged citizens to comply with visa rules and avoid misrepresentation, warning that the government cannot intervene in individual cases. She rejected calls for retaliatory measures, saying Kampala prefers dialogue and accepts Washington’s explanations in good faith.
Evans Aryabaha, head of consular services at the ministry, said Uganda fully supports lawful travel and has stepped up outreach to diaspora communities and students abroad, emphasising the importance of remaining within legal limits.
U.S. officials say visa applications from Ugandans have not declined since the measures were introduced. Ambassador Popp framed compliance as essential to preserving long-term bilateral ties, warning that violations by a few could limit opportunities for many.
For Ugandans planning to travel to the United States, the route remains open but more tightly monitored, with financial, legal, and data-driven safeguards now firmly in place.
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