Museveni woke up to a difficult morning after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration announced strict new travel and visa measures targeting Ugandans, a move that signals deepening diplomatic tensions between Kampala and Washington following Uganda’s recent election.
In a statement issued by U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William Popp, the United States announced that Ugandans applying for B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas will now be required to post a refundable bond of $15,000 (about KSh1.9 million) before a visa is issued.
The bond will only be refunded if travelers fully comply with U.S. visa conditions, including departure timelines and admission rules.
The U.S. Embassy also confirmed that, effective this year, most non-immigrant visas issued to Ugandans will be single-entry and valid for a maximum of three months, a policy first announced by Washington in July 2025.
Popp said the measures are part of efforts to protect “legitimate travel” and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
In addition, the U.S. government has temporarily paused the issuance of immigrant visas to Ugandans until enhanced vetting measures are completed.
However, the embassy clarified that the suspension does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as those for tourists, students, and skilled workers.
The new restrictions come at a politically sensitive time, shortly after President Yoweri Museveni secured another term in office.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent weeks, largely due to controversial remarks by Museveni’s son and Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which drew sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers.
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recently urged President Trump to reassess security ties with Uganda, citing election-related violence and human rights concerns.
Although Muhoozi later apologized and said he had been misinformed, the damage appears to have been done.
Analysts warn that the visa measures could strain people-to-people ties and further complicate Uganda–U.S. relations at a time of growing diplomatic uncertainty.
By Creatorhub