Ugandans who overstay their visas in the United States are now at the center of a renewed crackdown, with new travel restrictions rolled out by Washington that drastically reduce the length of permitted stays.
The latest measures were confirmed by William W. Popp, the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, who cited rising numbers of Ugandans overstaying their visas or entering the U.S. on visit or tourist permits with the intention of giving birth.
“The Department of State has changed nonimmigrant visa validity for nationals of certain countries, including Uganda. Most visas for Ugandan citizens are now valid for only three months,” said Ambassador Popp during a press briefing.
The restrictions are part of a broader immigration policy originally introduced under former U.S. President Donald Trump, with a classified State Department cable last month confirming that 36 countries including several U.S. allies in Africa and the Caribbean will be affected.
While the policy is not aimed exclusively at Uganda, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala has expressed growing alarm over violations involving Ugandan nationals.
“Individuals who intentionally provide fraudulent documents during visa applications or interviews will be denied a visa and may face permanent ineligibility to enter the United States,” Popp warned. “The U.S. Embassy also reserves the right to submit such cases to Ugandan police for prosecution.”
He also delivered a pointed warning to student visa holders, many of whom are suspected of disappearing from school systems once they arrive in the U.S.
“Student visa holders who drop out, skip classes, or leave their academic programs without notifying their institutions risk having their visas revoked and may become ineligible for future U.S. visas,” he said.
The issue of overstaying has become a flashpoint, prompting both U.S. and Ugandan officials to raise the alarm.
In a recent post on social media, the U.S. Mission to Uganda disclosed that three Ugandan student visa applicants had been arrested in collaboration with local law enforcement after submitting forged academic documents.
“Last week, the US Embassy assisted Ugandan law enforcement to arrest three student visa applicants who had forged birth certificates, university diplomas, exam results, and university transcripts. Protect your future travel opportunities Don’t Commit Fraud,” the Embassy warned.
Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has now joined in urging travelers to comply with U.S. visa laws and timelines.
Speaking from the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Ministry spokesperson Simon Mundeyi reiterated the consequences of overstaying or using fake documents.
“There are systems in place to detect fake documents both at the US Embassy and within the Government. Anyone caught will be prosecuted,” Mundeyi stated. He cautioned that overstaying a visa is not just a minor infraction, but a criminal offense.
“If your visa is for three months, please return in time. Overstaying is criminal and could see you arrested or blacklisted,” he said.
Ugandans hoping to study, visit, or do business in the U.S. are being urged to approach the process with honesty and to respect the rules once granted entry.
