Washington, United States: Uganda is among 25 African countries facing potential travel restrictions to the United States under a sweeping new immigration policy being considered by President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to the US widely read newspaper, The Washington Post, the restrictions, expected to take effect if conditions are not met within 60 days, will apply to countries that fail to comply with US demands related to immigration enforcement, repatriation of deportees, and terrorism-related intelligence sharing.
“The restrictions and limitations imposed by the Proclamation are necessary to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counter-terrorism objectives,” read a White House statement dated June 5, 2025.
President Trump, in an earlier proclamation issued on June 4, said the decision is intended to “protect the nation from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats from entry into the United States.”
The US accuses countries like Uganda of either refusing or delaying the repatriation of nationals deported from the US or failing to provide adequate cooperation in vetting their citizens before entry. It also cites concerns over high visa overstay rates and insufficient intelligence-sharing on terror threats.
Efforts by DailyExpress to reach Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen Odongo Jeje, and State Minister Okello Oryem for comment were unsuccessful by press time. Calls to Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire also went unanswered.
Ugandans currently residing in the US are estimated at over 30,000, forming one of the country’s largest diaspora communities and major contributors of remittances. The US is also a key destination for Ugandans seeking higher education, professional opportunities, and advanced medical care.
Analysts warn that if the restrictions are implemented, they could severely impact Uganda’s diplomatic and socio-economic ties with Washington.
Other African countries listed for possible restrictions include Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
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