The United States Embassy Kampala has sounded the alarm over rising visa fraud in Uganda, revealing that dozens of people are already facing criminal charges.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala, senior regional security officer James V. Bloomer said at least 43 individuals have been taken to court since July 2025 over attempts to secure US visas through fraudulent means.
Bloomer said the embassy continues to encounter applicants using forged documents or relying on middlemen who falsely claim they can influence visa decisions. He warned that such shortcuts not only fail but often lead to prosecution.
“Stop using middlemen, submitting fake documents or paying what some people call visa bonds. These things will not help you get a visa,” he said.
He urged Ugandans to apply directly through official channels, emphasising that the only reliable source of information is the embassy’s website and approved procedures.
Bloomer stressed that the United States remains open to genuine travellers but made it clear that the process must be followed honestly.
“As the US, we are committed to working with Ugandans who genuinely want to travel to America. Visa fees are strictly set by our headquarters in Washington DC and cannot be changed by individuals,” he added.
At the same briefing, Uganda Police Force spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said visa fraud is part of a broader pattern of scams affecting multiple government services.
He noted that fraudsters often target people seeking quicker services in agencies such as the Uganda Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Lands, convincing them to pay large sums of money for supposed fast-tracked assistance.
