The government is talking to other nations about visa refusals and limiting immigration.
According to the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. John Mulimba, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ended a five-day Joint Commission for Cooperation with South Africa on July 11, 2022, where immigration issues were discussed in an effort to have this handled.
On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, Mulimba stated this in a statement to Parliament regarding steps being taken to relax strict visa requirements for Ugandans.
He continued by saying that the government is also pursuing bilateral agreements for visa exemptions with a number of nations.
“To date, we have agreements in place with 65 nations that exempt Ugandans from needing visas for international travel.
We continue to encourage nations to issue visas upon arrival in order to handle urgent situations, Mulimba said.
He mentioned that in order to expedite and validate the visa application procedure for government employees going on official business, the Foreign Affairs Ministry issues diplomatic notes to the relevant foreign missions accredited to Uganda.
Furthermore, he noted that regional contacts with partner nations have been made, particularly in East Africa and with COMESA nations where Ugandans are not subject to visa requirements.
The minister noted that numerous Ugandans are turned down for visas due to a variety of factors, including inability to provide clear explanations for their trip plans, late submission of visa applications, submission of forged documents, and overstaying visas.
As he presided over the meeting, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa noted that it has become impossible to award visas to applicants, particularly when they must wait a long time for appointments.
He made reference to having brought up the same issues during the 10th Parliament. He claimed that Ugandans would gather in the early hours to queue up at the Chinese Embassy, but that thanks to government involvement, an online method had been established.
“Uganda is an important player on the global stage, and our nation is open. For the welfare of the people, we want the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work even harder, Tayebwa stated.
He also gave the minister the responsibility of updating the House on the situation of Ugandans detained abroad.
“Especially in Asia, when Ugandans are sentenced to life in prison or death, the ministry of foreign affairs used to bargain very aggressively.
Tayebwa continued, “The problem of consular services to Ugandans overseas needs to be looked into.
Hon. Hanifa Nabikeera (NUP, Mukono District) expressed worry over the delay or denial of study visas for some students who, according to her, have made fee commitments to institutions abroad.
In accordance with the terms of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, many young Ugandan traders have been unable to travel freely, according to Hon. Boniface Okot (NRM, Youth Northern).
In order to grant our young traders visa exemptions, he suggested that we expedite negotiations with nations that have ratified the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Hon. Josyline Kamateneti, a member of parliament for the Ntungamo District, expressed worry about labor export businesses that take advantage of innocent Ugandans while pretending to speed up the visa or passport application process.
“I implore the Minister of Foreign Affairs to establish precise rules for how these corporations must conduct their business.
Someone pays Shs400,000 for a fast passport, but they receive it three months later, she claimed.
Hon. Micheal Timuzigu, MP for Kajara County, requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collaborate with other national organizations to implement civic education on international travel.
According to him, this will allow Ugandans the chance to learn about the paperwork needed for travel requests and speed up the visa application process.