Abu Dhabi, 19th September 2025 — The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dismissed media reports claiming that Ugandan nationals had been banned or denied visas to the Gulf state, calling the allegations “unfounded.”
In a statement issued on Friday, the Embassy clarified that no official communication has been made by the UAE government imposing restrictions or blacklisting Uganda.
“There has been no official statement from the Government of the United Arab Emirates communicating restrictions or a ban on visa issuance to Ugandan nationals, and neither has Uganda been blacklisted by the UAE as alleged by various sources in the media,” the statement reads.
The Embassy emphasized that visa applications are handled in accordance with UAE immigration laws and are assessed individually based on documentation and eligibility. Rejections, it noted, are linked to specific applicant circumstances and not to nationality.
The Mission urged Ugandans in the UAE and those seeking to travel to avoid relying on unverified information and instead follow official channels for updates. It further encouraged applicants to submit complete applications, beware of third-party agents promising expedited processing, and ensure timely renewal or regularization of visas to avoid penalties.
On concerns of human trafficking, the Embassy acknowledged that UAE authorities had taken action and launched investigations.
It promised to share further details once the probe is complete, while cautioning against speculation that could undermine the process.
The statement also highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and the UAE, underscoring growing economic ties. According to the Embassy:
- The Ugandan community in the UAE has grown from 40,000 in 2018 to 160,000 in 2025.
- Remittances from Ugandans in the UAE increased from US $50 million in 2018 to US $350 million in 2024.
- The UAE has become Uganda’s leading export market since October 2024, with trade between the two countries valued at US $2.85 billion.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the UAE into Uganda has expanded from US $300 million in 2018 to over US $3 billion in 2024.
- More than 100 companies have been established between the two nations.
The Embassy strongly appealed to individuals and media outlets circulating misinformation to desist, warning that such claims risk undermining the “vibrant and strong” relations that have facilitated economic and commercial gains for both countries.
