WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Washington, D.C., has released a series of important notices for its nationals living and working in the United States, as the mission works to strengthen its diaspora engagement and provide essential consular services. The notices come at a time of heightened diplomatic activity, including new agreements and policy shifts that could affect Ugandans abroad.
Streamlining Passport Services
A key notice from the Embassy pertains to the ongoing efforts to streamline passport renewal and issuance. Ugandan citizens in the U.S. are being urged to ensure their travel documents are up-to-date and to utilize the Embassy’s services for renewals. This comes as the government in Kampala has been digitizing its passport systems and is working to roll out mobile passport enrollment services to major diaspora communities, with a pilot recently launched in South Africa.
New Repatriation Agreement
The Embassy has also brought to the attention of the community a new agreement with the U.S. government regarding the repatriation of deported migrants. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala, Uganda has agreed to a deal to accept deported migrants from the U.S. on the condition that they do not have criminal records and are not unaccompanied minors. This agreement is still in the process of having its detailed modalities worked out, but it is a significant development that could affect Ugandans in the U.S. who face potential deportation.
Updated Travel and Security Advisories
In light of upcoming national elections in Uganda, the Embassy and other sources have advised Ugandan nationals to exercise increased caution when traveling back home. The U.S. State Department has also issued a travel advisory for Uganda, citing concerns over crime, terrorism, and the new Anti-Homosexuality Act. Public demonstrations are also noted as a potential risk, particularly around political events. The Embassy encourages Ugandans to monitor local media and avoid large public gatherings when in the country.
Call for Diaspora Engagement and Investment
In a broader context of its work, the Embassy continues to call on the Ugandan diaspora in the U.S. to engage in national development. Initiatives like the Diaspora Affairs Office in Kampala and various online platforms are being used to connect Ugandans abroad with investment opportunities, particularly in sectors like agriculture, real estate, and technology. The Embassy’s services also extend to providing legal and financial advice to those looking to invest back home.
The notices underscore the mission’s commitment to serving the Ugandan community in the United States, providing them with timely information and support to navigate both life abroad and their engagement with their home country.
