The United States has reduced the validity of non-immigrant visas for Ugandan nationals from two years to just three months, allowing only a single entry. The move is aimed at curbing misuse of the American visa system.
The announcement was made on Monday by US Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, during a press briefing at the American Centre in Kampala. He explained that the decision aligns with the US government’s efforts to strengthen national security and ensure the integrity of its visa processes.
“This action is in line with President Trump’s Executive Order 14161, issued on 20th January 2025, titled Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” Popp said.
Under the executive order, the US Secretary of State was directed to review all visa programmes to ensure they are not exploited by foreign nationals or hostile actors seeking to undermine America’s security, economy, politics, or culture.
As part of that review, US government agencies assessed the security and information-sharing capabilities of various countries, as well as issues such as identity verification, visa fraud, overstays, and the failure to repatriate deportable nationals.
Ambassador Popp noted that the new three-month, single-entry visa validity mirrors the treatment Ugandan authorities give to American visitors entering Uganda for tourism or business.
He stressed that the revised visa policy is designed to enhance the US government’s ability to detect and prevent immigration system abuse. The changes take effect immediately but do not affect visas that were issued prior to the new policy.
Previously, Ugandan citizens could receive non-immigrant US visas valid for up to two years.
