Africa-Press – Uganda. The United States government has announced sweeping changes to its visa policy affecting Ugandan nationals, introducing stricter entry conditions for nonimmigrant travelers and temporarily halting the issuance of immigrant visas, as Washington intensifies enforcement of its immigration laws.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, February 5, 2026, US Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp said the measures reflect the Trump Administration’s commitment to prioritising national security while preserving lawful travel between the two countries.
“The Trump Administration continues to put America and its interests first by fully enforcing U.S. immigration laws and ensuring lawful travel through our visa process,” Amb Popp said, noting that while the United States values long-standing people-to-people ties with Uganda, visa issuance remains a privilege rather than a right.
He said most nonimmigrant visas issued to Ugandan citizens are now single-entry visas valid for three months, a change first announced in July 2025 and now fully in effect.
This means travelers have three months from the date of issuance to travel to the United States and may seek entry only once during that period.
Popp also confirmed that Uganda has been added to the expanded Visa Bond Pilot Program, effective January 21, 2026.
Under the program, Ugandans applying for B-1/B-2 business or tourist visas may be required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 (about Shs55 million) before a visa is issued.
“Ugandans who are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa are now required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000,” he said, adding that the bond is fully refunded if travelers comply with visa terms and leave the United States on time.
The ambassador stressed that the bond requirement is not retroactive and that applicants should not pay any bond before their visa interview.
He said payment instructions are only given after a consular officer determines that an applicant qualifies for the visa.
In addition to the bond requirement, the US Department of State has temporarily paused the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Uganda, also effective January 21, 2026.
“Secretary of State Rubio has instituted this pause until we can ensure that new immigrants have been vetted to the maximum degree to ensure their eligibility for a US visa, including that they will not use public assistance,” Popp said.
He clarified that the pause applies only to immigrant visas and does not affect nonimmigrant categories such as tourist, student, and skilled worker visas. Immigrant visa applicants may continue to submit applications and attend interviews, and no previously issued visas have been revoked.
US Consular Chief Tania Romanoff said the policy changes were driven in part by persistent misuse of nonimmigrant visas by some Ugandan travelers.
“We are still seeing Ugandans misusing their nonimmigrant visas to the United States,” Romanoff said, warning that violations can result in deportation and permanent bans from future travel.
She explained that the length of stay in the United States is determined by a US Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry, not by the visa validity itself, and urged travelers to confirm their authorised stay through the Department of Homeland Security’s I-94 system.
“If you remain longer than authorized, you could be removed from the U.S. and could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States in the future,” Romanoff said.
She also cautioned against providing false information during visa applications or interviews, noting that offenders may face permanent visa ineligibility and possible prosecution.
As Secretary Rubio stated, Romanoff quoted, “Violators of US law — including international students — face visa denial or revocation, and deportation.”
The U.S. Embassy said it continues to work closely with Ugandan authorities to protect legitimate travel and maintain bilateral relations, with representatives from Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs attending the press conference.
Ambassador Popp said adherence to visa rules by Ugandan travelers would help keep lawful travel channels open and strengthen the enduring partnership between the two countries.
