KAMPALA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is tightening visa requirements for Ugandan nationals following growing concerns over immigration abuse and criminal activities by some travelers, a senior government official confirmed Thursday.
Oryem Henry Okello, Uganda’s minister of state for foreign affairs in charge of international cooperation, told Xinhua by telephone that the UAE has decided to suspend the issuance of long-term visas for certain categories of Ugandan citizens, but stressed that the measure does not amount to a complete travel ban.
The UAE has announced a visa ban for 2026, restricting citizens of several African and European countries, including Uganda, from applying for tourist and work visas.
“According to our ambassador in the UAE, there is no total ban,” Oryem said. “They are going to put restrictions on Ugandans traveling to the UAE. There will be no long-term visas — only short-term visas — and some categories of people will not be able to receive visas.”
Oryem said the UAE authorities are primarily targeting individuals considered at high risk of overstaying their visas or engaging in unlawful activities.
“It is not a blanket prohibition,” he said. “Some people will still go, but it will be based on the risk of a person overstaying their visa or failing to respect the laws and culture of the UAE.”
Oryem added that Ugandan authorities will not immediately seek negotiations to reverse the restrictions, which are set to take effect in January 2026.
