Uganda finds itself among 36 countries facing potential US travel restrictions under President Donald Trump’s expanded immigration crackdown, according to a confidential State Department memo.
The memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday, gives targeted nations just 60 days to address US security concerns or face visa bans ranging from partial to complete restrictions. Uganda joins 25 other African countries on the list, including regional neighbours Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
The ultimatum centers on what Washington describes as “weak civil documentation systems, high rates of visa overstays, and citizenship-through-investment programs without adequate residency requirements.” The memo also cites concerns about individuals from certain countries engaging in antisemitic or anti-American activities while on US soil.
For Uganda, the implications could be severe. Each year, thousands of Ugandans travel to America for specialized medical care unavailable locally, with political and business elites regularly seeking treatment at American hospitals for advanced diagnostics, cancer care, and maternal health services.
The restrictions would also impact Uganda’s education sector, where the US remains a premier destination for postgraduate studies and scholarships. Students may be forced to pivot toward Canadian, British, or Asian institutions instead.
Beyond individual travelers, the ban could disrupt bilateral cooperation programs spanning military partnerships, development assistance, and public health initiatives that rely on exchange visits and technical training between the two nations.
Countries must submit action plans addressing passport security, data-sharing practices, and border controls by Wednesday at 8 a.m. GMT. The move follows Trump’s June proclamation reinstating travel bans on 13 countries while imposing partial restrictions on seven others.
Uganda now has 60 days to prove it meets America’s security standards—or risk joining nations like Somalia and Sudan under complete travel prohibitions.