The United States has sharply reduced the validity of non-immigrant visas for Ugandans from two years to just three months, limiting them to single entry. The move, announced Monday by U.S. Ambassador William Popp, stems from what Washington calls “growing concerns” about abuse of the visa system.
Speaking to journalists at the American Center in Kampala, Popp said the new restrictions take effect immediately.
“This decision is part of the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to safeguard national security and public safety by ensuring the integrity of its visa processes,” Popp said.
He pointed to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025 — Executive Order 14161 — titled Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.
Under that directive, Popp said, the secretary of state was instructed to evaluate all visa programs and ensure they’re not being exploited “by any foreign national state or other hostile actor to harm the security, economic, political, cultural, or other national interests of the United States.”
As part of that assessment, U.S. agencies reviewed the security, identity management, and cooperation levels of countries around the world — including Uganda. They also looked at issues such as visa fraud, overstays, and whether countries assist in repatriating nationals found removable in the U.S.
“New non-immigrant visas for Ugandan citizens will now be issued as valid for one entry, three months,” said Popp. “This mirrors the validity that Uganda offers to American tourists and business travelers.”
The reduction does not apply retroactively. Visas printed before July 8, 2025, will remain valid until they expire.
Overstay Rates Prompt Tougher Scrutiny
The U.S. government has also cited Uganda’s high visa overstay rates as part of the rationale for tightening rules. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Uganda had an 8.42% overstay rate for business/tourism visas (B1/B2) and a 16.71% rate for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, J) during fiscal year 2023.
Tania J. Romanoff, Chief of the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, stressed that national security remains the “top priority” during visa adjudications.
“Applicants who intentionally provide inaccurate information during the visa application or interview are denied and may be permanently ineligible for a visa,” she said. “They could also face prosecution either here or in the United States.”
Despite the shortened validity, Romanoff said visa fees will not change.
“Visa fees are set globally and reflect the actual cost of face-to-face interviews, application processing, and visa printing,” she explained.
Warning on Birth Tourism and Fraud
Romanoff also addressed the rising issue of birth tourism — a practice where foreign nationals travel to the U.S. with the intent of giving birth so their child can acquire U.S. citizenship.
“That’s not allowed,” she said. “We have seen that many Ugandan parents travel to the United States to give birth, and then use U.S. government assistance to pay for the delivery. These costs are passed on to the American taxpayer.”
She said consular officers are instructed to deny visas if they suspect the applicant’s primary reason for travel is to give birth in the U.S.
Asked about how widespread the issue is, Romanoff said there’s no official number. “We handle these cases one at a time.”
Five Arrested for Forged Documents
U.S. authorities also say fraud is rampant among visa applicants.
Brian Jolda, supervisory special agent with the Diplomatic Security Service and head of the Overseas Criminal Investigations team at the embassy, confirmed that five people had been arrested in the past two weeks.
“They submitted fraudulent documents — O’level, A’level, university transcripts, and fake bank statements,” Jolda said. “This is a crime.”
Those caught face arrest and long-term consequences. “We will hold them accountable,” he added.
What Applicants Should Know
- Only visas printed on or after July 8, 2025, are affected. Older visas remain valid until expiration.
- Student visa holders will still be valid for the length of the academic program.
- Applicants should expect increased scrutiny around their intent, financial support, and ties to Uganda.
- Submitting false information could lead to lifetime bans and even criminal charges.
