Ugandan and United States authorities have intensified efforts to combat visa fraud after dozens of applicants were arrested for submitting forged documents during the U.S. visa application process in Kampala.
A total of 43 Ugandans have been arrested since July 2025 for allegedly attempting to obtain U.S. visas using falsified documents.
The arrests were announced during a joint press briefing involving officials from the United States Embassy in Kampala and the Uganda Police Force.
During the briefing, the Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, James Bloomer, revealed that the suspects were intercepted at the embassy premises before their applications could be processed.
Bloomer explained that the individuals had attempted to present forged documents as part of their visa applications.
He noted that some of the documents included fake birth certificates and other falsified supporting paperwork intended to mislead embassy officials.
According to Bloomer, the embassy’s internal verification systems detected the fraudulent documents before the applicants could proceed with their submissions.
He added that all the suspects were immediately handed over to the Uganda Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.
Bloomer emphasized that submitting false information in a visa application constitutes fraud and carries serious consequences.
He cautioned Ugandans seeking to travel abroad to strictly follow the proper procedures and submit only authentic documentation.
Officials warned that anyone caught attempting to obtain a U.S. visa through fraudulent means risks severe penalties.
These penalties include criminal prosecution in Uganda as well as the possibility of a permanent ban from entering the United States.
Authorities also used the opportunity to warn the public against fraudsters and middlemen who promise quick visas in exchange for money.
Officials said such individuals often exploit desperate applicants by charging large sums of money while encouraging them to use forged documents.
The embassy stressed that legitimate visa applications must follow official procedures and should never involve fabricated paperwork.
In an earlier advisory, the U.S. Embassy warned applicants that submitting fake documents is a serious offense.
“If you submit fake documents with your U.S. visa application, you are committing fraud and risking your future,” the embassy cautioned.
The embassy added that its security systems are constantly being updated to detect forged documents and other forms of deception.
“We stay one step ahead of document vendors and adapt to emerging threats,” the advisory stated.
Ugandan authorities have also supported the crackdown and urged citizens to comply with visa regulations.
Officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that forged bank statements, national identity cards, and academic documents are among the most common fraudulent materials submitted during visa applications.
Government spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi warned that security agencies have systems in place to detect such forgeries.
“There are systems in place to detect fake documents—both at the U.S. Embassy and within the Government. Anyone caught will be prosecuted,” Mundeyi said.
Authorities further clarified misinformation surrounding visa bonds, which has been widely circulated by fraudsters targeting unsuspecting applicants.
Officials explained that visa bonds ranging between 5,000 and 15,000 US dollars may only be required after a visa has already been approved, and not before the application process begins.
The embassy and police urged Ugandans to avoid paying money to individuals claiming they can secure visas quickly.
They warned that such schemes frequently lead to financial loss and legal trouble for victims.
Authorities concluded by encouraging the public to report suspected visa scams to the police or the U.S. Embassy.
They said early reporting would help prevent more people from falling victim to fraud and would strengthen efforts to dismantle networks involved in document forgery.
