KAMPALA, Uganda — The United States Embassy in Uganda has announced it will reduce activity on its official social media platforms following a lapse in U.S. government appropriations, while assuring the public that essential consular services will continue.
In a brief notice posted online, the embassy said routine updates would be limited until full operations resume, except in cases involving urgent public safety or security information.
“Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information,” the statement said.
The embassy emphasised that the funding gap would not immediately disrupt critical services for the public.
“At this time, scheduled passport and visa transit services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits,” it added.
Members of the public seeking updated information on services and operational status were advised to consult official U.S. government channels, including the State Department’s website, travel.state.gov.
Background to the funding lapse
A lapse in appropriations occurs when the U.S. Congress fails to pass or extend funding legislation, triggering a partial government shutdown.
During such periods, non-essential federal activities are scaled back, while services deemed critical to national security and public welfare continue.
Similar funding gaps in recent years have affected communications and staffing levels at U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide, though embassies typically maintain core consular and security operations.
Diplomatic context
The embassy’s announcement comes at a delicate moment in U.S.–Uganda relations, which have faced renewed strain following remarks by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
In recent social media posts, Muhoozi alleged that the United States had assisted opposition leader Bobi Wine to leave Uganda in the aftermath of the January 25 presidential election.
Bobi Wine, who finished second in the poll, was reported by his allies to have gone into hiding during the electoral period.
Muhoozi later deleted the posts and issued a public apology to the U.S. government.
However, the remarks drew a sharp response in Washington.
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Senator Jim Risch, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, described the comments as part of a broader pattern of conduct and called on the U.S. administration to reassess its relationship with Kampala.
“Commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba has crossed a red line, and now the U.S. must reevaluate its security partnership, which includes sanctions and military cooperation with Uganda,” Senator Risch stated.
“The president’s son cannot just delete tweets and issue hollow apologies. The U.S. will not tolerate this level of instability and recklessness when American personnel, U.S. interests, and innocent lives in the region are at stake,” he added.
For now, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala says it will continue to issue critical alerts as needed, while broader public engagement on social media remains limited until funding is restored.
