The United States Embassy in Uganda has warned visa applicants against submitting forged documents, revealing that at least 43 Ugandans have been arrested since July last year for presenting fraudulent paperwork.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the Regional Security Officer at the US Embassy, James Bloomer, said the individuals were apprehended after attempting to use fake documents during the visa application process and were subsequently handed over to police.
Bloomer said those found using fraudulent documents risk being permanently barred from obtaining US visas in the future.
“Once we get you with fraudulent documents, you risk your future. You might not be considered for a visa again at any other time,” he said.
He cautioned applicants against presenting forged birth certificates, academic records, or other falsified documents when applying for visas, including those seeking admission to universities in the United States.
“If you want to go to university in the US, don’t show up with fake documents. If we catch you with fraudulent documents, we will not give you a visa,” Bloomer warned.
The embassy official noted that the mission has a dedicated team responsible for scrutinising visa documents to detect fraud.
“Don’t use fraudulent documents because we have a team that does nothing but review documents to identify people who lie or use fraudulent documents,” he added.
Bloomer also urged Ugandans to be cautious of scammers who claim applicants must first pay a visa bond before their visas are issued.
He clarified that under the US government’s visa bond policy introduced last year for certain high-risk applicants, the bond—ranging between $5,000 and $15,000—is only payable after the visa has been approved. The amount is determined by consular officers during the visa interview process.
The measure targets applicants considered to have a higher risk of overstaying their visas in the United States.
The security officer further advised Ugandans who successfully obtain visas to strictly adhere to the conditions attached to them, particularly the duration of stay.
“If you get the privilege to travel to the US, follow the instructions while in the US, including how long you are supposed to stay. Don’t stay longer,” he said.
He emphasized that complying with visa regulations is part of an agreement between the traveller and the US government.
Bloomer reiterated that the visa section at the United States Embassy in Uganda remains open and encouraged Ugandans interested in travelling to the US to ensure they understand and follow all application procedures.
“We encourage people who want to obtain visas that we are open, but you need to understand the processes and regulations that need to be followed,” he said.
