By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates has spoken out on recent media reports that the Asian country has banned issuance of Visas to Ugandan tourists and Migrant workers following a BBC Expose of Sex Trafficking racket orchestrated by a one Mwesigwa.
Statement on Allegations of Ban of Visa Issuance to Uganda Nationals to the UAE(3)
In a press statement dated Friday, 19th September, 2025, the Uganda’s Ambassador to UAE, Amb. Zaake Kibedi says the reports are unfounded and may dent the apparent vibrant and strong relations between the two countries which has facilitated increased economic and commercial gains for both countries.
“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,” reads Kibedi’s communication in part.
Kibedi says UAE has 160,000 Ugandans living and working their bringing in Forex to the tune of USD350M whereas the trade portfolio between Uganda and UAE has grown to USD 2.8 Billion.
The Media was this week awash with stories that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had announced suspension of issuance of tourist and work visas to Ugandan nationals starting January 2026.
The report which Amb. Kibedi now refutes said the directive, was communicated through an immigration circular in Abu Dhabi, adding Uganda to the list of countries facing sudden restrictions, including Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, and Sudan.
The ban was allegedly in response to reports of trafficking networks exploiting visa channels exposed by a BBC investigation linking Ugandan national Charles Mwesigwa to a sex ring network in Dubai’s upscale neighborhoods.
