UAE Breaks Silence On Alleged Visa Ban For Ugandans — Here’s The Truth

By Our Reporter

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to Uganda has dismissed reports that his country has blocked visa access for Ugandans.

Abdalle Hassan AlShamsi, the UAE envoy and head of mission in Kampala, says there has been no official communication about a visa ban.

“What is circulating is false,” AlShamsi said.

His remarks followed widespread reports alleging that the UAE, a top destination for Ugandans seeking employment, would stop issuing visas to Ugandans starting January 2026.

An estimated 100,000 Ugandans legally work in the UAE, mainly in low-skill and domestic jobs.

The UAE — made up of seven emirates including Abu Dhabi and Dubai — has previously restricted entry to Ugandans. In 2022, it suspended the issuing of 30-day visit visas for Ugandans and citizens of 20 other nations.

Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire, says Kampala had not received any formal notice about a visa freeze.

“The UAE only restricts applicants who fail to meet the visa requirements,” Bagiire explained.

The clarification comes amid online claims that visas had been suspended for citizens of several countries, including Uganda, Libya, Yemen, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan and Somalia.

The rumor gained traction following a BBC investigation into Charles Mwesigwa, a Ugandan accused of running a sex trafficking ring in Dubai involving Ugandan women.