The Ugandan Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has dismissed reports claiming that Ugandan citizens are facing a visa ban.
Ambassador Zaake Kibedi, who heads the mission in Abu Dhabi, said there has been no official communication from the UAE government about any ban or blacklisting of Ugandans.
“The allegations of a visa ban are unfounded,” he said in a statement. “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.”
“Visa applications are processed in line with UAE immigration laws, and each case is considered on its own merit. Any denial of a visa is based entirely on individual circumstances, not nationality.” he added.
The ambassador urged Ugandans living in the Emirates—and those planning to travel—to rely only on official information and follow proper immigration procedures. He reminded applicants to submit complete documents, avoid using unverified middlemen, and renew their visas on time to steer clear of penalties.
Ambassador Kibedi also confirmed that UAE authorities are investigating a human trafficking case involving Ugandan nationals, but said details would be released later so as not to interfere with the process. He warned that false claims of a blanket visa ban could damage ties between Uganda and the UAE, which he noted have delivered significant trade and investment opportunities for both sides.
The embassy’s clarification comes amid public concern after a BBC investigation uncovered an alleged sex-trafficking ring in Dubai linked to Ugandan national Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa. Ugandan MPs have since called for tighter regulation of labour export companies and stronger protections for citizens working abroad.
What the BBC investigation found
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The victim: The documentary follows the story of Monic Karungi, a 23-year-old Ugandan who died in 2022 after falling from a high-rise apartment. While her death was widely dismissed online as a “Dubai Porta Potty” suicide, the BBC report points to a deeper story of exploitation.
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A wider pattern: The film connects her case to that of another Ugandan woman, Kayla Birungi, who died in 2021 under similar circumstances.
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The trafficking ring: Investigators detail how young Ugandan women are lured to the UAE with promises of work in hotels and supermarkets, only to end up trapped in prostitution and debt bondage.
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Undercover footage: Using hidden cameras, the BBC recorded Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa, a former London bus driver, describing how he managed a network of women and even bragging about providing “the craziest” sexual acts. Mwesigwa denies any wrongdoing.
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Justice gaps: The documentary also questions the way authorities handled the deaths of Monic and Kayla and highlights how trafficked women in Dubai often struggle to find meaningful support.
