The US Mission in Uganda has issued a warning to Ugandans seeking to travel to the United States to give birth, calling it a violation of immigration rules.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 1, the embassy said travelling to the US primarily to secure citizenship for a child born there—often referred to as birth tourism—is not permitted.
“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted,” the statement read.
“Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”
The embassy added that some Ugandan parents use tourist visas to enter the US and later rely on public funds to cover medical costs.
“Many Ugandan parents with tourist visas travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth, and they use government assistance to pay for their medical care.
These costs are passed on to the American taxpayer, and those parents may not be eligible to renew their visas in the future.”
The statement comes amid growing scrutiny of visa misuse by US immigration authorities, especially in cases where short-term visas are believed to be used for long-term or permanent benefits.
Concerns Over Immigration Abuse
“Birth tourism” has long been a point of contention in US immigration debates. Critics argue it places strain on public services and weakens immigration control systems.
The Trump administration, under whose policies the current measures were shaped, pushed for stricter immigration enforcement—including targeting countries with high visa overstay rates.
Uganda has previously been mentioned alongside Nigeria, Tanzania, and Sudan in discussions around potential travel restrictions. In June, the US Department of State said it was reviewing travel policies for Ugandans, citing concerns about birthright citizenship abuse and immigration fraud.
New Social Media Rules for Student Visas
In a separate move last month, the US Embassy in Uganda announced that all applicants for student visas—under F, M, and J categories—are now required to make their social media profiles public as part of enhanced security screening.
The embassy warned that failure to comply or providing false information could result in a visa being denied.
Why Ugandans Are Travelling to Give Birth
In Uganda, giving birth in the US has become increasingly popular, especially among the urban middle class and political elite. For many, the draw lies in the potential benefits for their children—such as dual citizenship, better healthcare, and access to American education and job opportunities.
There have been several high-profile cases. Music executive Bebe Cool’s wife, Zuena Kirema, has had multiple children in the US. It is unclear, however, whether those children hold US citizenship.
Daniella Atim Mayanja, the former wife of musician Jose Chameleone, reportedly gave birth to their daughter in Georgia, US, in April 2018.
Ugandan Presence in the US
There are estimated to be over 30,000 Ugandans living in the United States, making up one of the most active diaspora communities. Ugandans consistently rank among the top contributors to remittances back home.
While many travel for education or healthcare, the US government is now drawing a firm line when it comes to those attempting to secure benefits—such as citizenship—through what officials describe as misleading visa use.
The embassy’s message is clear: be transparent about your travel plans or risk being denied future entry.
