By Horn Africa News Staff
Kampala — The United States government has officially reduced the validity period of visas issued to Ugandan citizens from multiple years to just three months, according to a notice issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kampala.
The new policy, which came into effect recently, applies to B1/B2 visitor visas — commonly used for tourism, business, and family visits. Under the updated regulations, Ugandan applicants will now receive visas valid for only three months with a single entry allowance, as opposed to the previous validity of up to two years with multiple entries.
U.S. officials cited the principle of “visa reciprocity” as the basis for the change, stating that Uganda does not offer longer visa validity to American citizens visiting the country. According to the U.S. Department of State, visa policies are often adjusted to reflect equal treatment between nations.
The decision has sparked concern among travelers, students, business professionals, and members of the Ugandan diaspora, many of whom rely on longer-term visas for frequent travel or extended stays.
Ugandan authorities have not yet officially responded to the policy change, but diplomatic analysts view the move as a signal of shifting relations between Washington and Kampala amid growing scrutiny over governance and human rights issues.
The U.S. Embassy has advised prospective applicants to check updated requirements and prepare accordingly for shorter travel durations under the new guidelines.
