43 Visa Applicants Arrested Over Forged Documents at US Embassy in Uganda

Authorities at the United States Embassy in Kampala say 43 visa applicants have been arrested since July last year for allegedly attempting to use forged documents to obtain travel visas to the United States.

The suspects were intercepted during the visa application process at the embassy and later handed over to the Uganda Police Force for prosecution.

Speaking on Monday at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the embassy’s Senior Regional Security Officer, James V. Bloomer, said the arrests followed repeated attempts by applicants to present counterfeit documents.

“Since July of last year, we have had 43 people who attempted to use fake documents to obtain visas to travel to the United States,” Bloomer said.

According to bloomer, the individuals were handed over to the Uganda Police Force for prosecution.

The arrests come as the United States tightens visa screening procedures amid concerns about visa overstays and irregular migration.

As part of the measures, some travellers may be required to pay a visa bond ranging from $5,000 (about 18.8 million Ugandan shillings) to $15,000 (about 56 million shillings).

The deposit is refundable if travellers comply with visa conditions and leave the United States before their authorised stay expires.

Bloomer warned applicants not to pay any visa bond before a visa has been officially issued and urged visa holders to respect the conditions of their travel permits.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force has warned the public about a growing number of fraudsters posing as intermediaries who claim they can facilitate visa applications.

Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said many Ugandans seeking opportunities abroad have fallen victim to such scams.

According to police, the suspects often pose as officials from government agencies, banks, telecom companies or non-governmental organisations in order to gain the trust of victims. They typically use fake identity cards, fabricated contacts and forged introduction letters to convince people to hand over money.

“Once they receive the money, they disappear or continue demanding additional payments, leaving victims ashamed and afraid to report the crime,” Kituuma said.

Police have urged the public to report anyone claiming to process visas in exchange for payment.