KAMPALA, Uganda — The United States has suspended visa processing for Ugandan political refugees, a move that will reshape migration expectations for those seeking asylum and permanent residency in the North American country. The decision was confirmed by the US Embassy in Kampala, which attributed the change to broader concerns about misuse of non-immigrant visas by some Ugandan travellers.
According to the embassy, the suspension now means political refugees from Uganda can no longer obtain US visas under standard programmes that previously offered protection or resettlement pathways.
The policy shift follows broader adjustments to American immigration and visa screening processes implemented in early 2026, including a temporary pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, Uganda included.
In parts of the October and January announcements, Washington cited growing cases of visa “misuse,” particularly by individuals entering the United States on temporary permits and later seeking asylum, or remaining in the country beyond the authorized stay.
The US has also introduced a visa bond requirement, mandating that some applicants, including Ugandans, post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 before they can be issued standard B-1/B-2 business or tourist visas.
Implications for refugees and asylum seekers
The policy means that Ugandans who hoped to flee political persecution or seek safety in the US will face diminished legal avenues for travel or resettlement.
Visa categories that previously permitted asylum-related travel or follow-to-join applications are now effectively suspended for Ugandan applicants, according to consular guidance and embassy representatives.
The suspension adds to a series of US visa policy adjustments affecting Ugandan nationals:
- Non-immigrant visa validity for Ugandans has been significantly shortened, with many travel permits now limited to single-entry, three-month visas.
- The visa bond pilot programme requires a financial guarantee before visas can be issued, aimed at ensuring compliance and timely departure.
- A temporary pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Uganda, remains in force while vetting procedures are strengthened.
Diplomatic and humanitarian context
The visa suspension comes amid ongoing diplomatic tension between Kampala and Washington over issues ranging from human rights to governance concerns.
The US government has in recent years expressed unease about political crackdowns and restrictions on civic freedoms in Uganda, while at the same time continuing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism issues.
Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, with more than 1.8 million people, mostly from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the new US stance signals a shift in how migration pathways are managed.
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Experts warn that limiting legal avenues for asylum could push more individuals towards irregular migration channels, increasing vulnerability and risk.
Officials in Kampala have yet to issue a full response to the visa suspension, although authorities in recent weeks have reiterated calls for Ugandans to respect US visa terms and warned that overstays or fraudulent applications can lead to long-term travel bans.
The US Embassy has insisted that the changes are policy measures rather than punitive actions and that legitimate travelers, business visitors, students, and family-based migrants can still qualify for appropriate visas if they meet requirements.
Countries subject to US visa bond requirements
- Algeria (January 21, 2026)
- Angola (January 21, 2026)
- Antigua and Barbuda (January 21, 2026)
- Bangladesh (January 21, 2026)
- Benin (January 21, 2026)
- Bhutan (January 1, 2026)
- Botswana (January 1, 2026)
- Burundi (January 21, 2026)
- Cabo Verde (January 21, 2026)
- Central African Republic (January 1, 2026)
- Cote D’Ivorie (January 21, 2026)
- Cuba (January 21, 2026)
- Djibouti (January 21, 2026)
- Dominica (January 21, 2026)
- Fiji (January 21, 2026)
- Gabon (January 21, 2026)
- The Gambia (October 11, 2025)
- Guinea (January 1, 2026)
- Guinea Bissau (January 1, 2026)
- Kyrgyzstan (January 21, 2026)
- Malawi (August 20, 2025)
- Mauritania (October 23, 2025)
- Namibia (January 1, 2026)
- Nepal (January 21, 2026)
- Nigeria (January 21, 2026)
- Sao Tome and Principe (October 23, 2025)
- Senegal (January 21, 2026)
- Tajikistan (January 21, 2026)
- Tanzania (October 23, 2025)
- Togo (January 21, 2026)
- Tonga (January 21, 2026)
- Turkmenistan (January 1, 2026)
- Tuvalu (January 21, 2026)
- Uganda (January 21, 2026)
- Vanuatu (January 21, 2026)
- Venezuela (January 21, 2026)
- Zambia (August 20, 2025)
- Zimbabwe (January 21, 2026)
