The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control has issued a warning to the public regarding a new trend of fraudsters who are taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals seeking to travel to Uganda. These fraudsters have created websites that falsely claim to provide access to the e-visa application portal. The fraudsters charge exorbitant fees, far beyond the official rates, for ordinary visas. This has resulted in frustrated Ugandans losing money in the application process.
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Mr. Simon Mundeyi, the spokesperson for Internal Affairs, has expressed concern over the increasing number of reports they have received from victims of these fraudulent websites. In an article published in the Monitor, Prof. Steven Kaddu shared his personal experience of frustration with the Uganda visa application process, which ultimately led to him canceling his flight due to the delays.
The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control has been actively warning the public about these fraudulent third-party websites for the past eight years. They have communicated this message through their official websites, social media channels, partner government agencies, and diaspora associations. Mr. Mundeyi emphasizes the importance of avoiding these websites, as they are not official and do not provide genuine e-visa application services. He urges the public to exercise caution and ensure they are using the correct website for the intended facility, rather than falling victim to a fake website that may appear legitimate and offer quick services.
To clarify, this is the official e-visa application portal for the Republic of Uganda and travelers are charged UGX 185,000 (USD 50) for the e-visa. The visa application process for Ugandans is entirely online, with no personal contact required between the applicant and any individuals or agencies. Individuals must verify the authenticity of the website they are using and ensure they are submitting their applications through the official portal.
In addition to visa applications, the official website also provides facilities for passport applications, entry/work permits, dependent passes, student passes, special passes, and certificates of residence. By utilizing the official website, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that their applications are being processed through the correct channels and that they are not falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control continues to work diligently to combat these fraudulent activities and protect the public from falling prey to scams. They encourage individuals to report any suspicious websites or incidents to the appropriate authorities, to prevent further financial losses and frustrations.
It is essential for anyone intending to travel to Uganda to be aware of the risks associated with fraudulent e-visa application websites. By using the official electronic visa application portal and exercising caution, individuals can ensure that their applications are processed correctly and avoid becoming victims of scams. The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control remains committed to providing genuine visa application services and protecting the public from fraudulent activities.
