No More Jobs Abroad!! UAE Announces A Visa Ban On Ugandans

Uganda has been dealt a heavy blow after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that it will no longer issue visas to Ugandan citizens starting January 2026. The decision effectively shuts the door on thousands of Ugandans who had hoped to travel to the Gulf state for work, business, and other opportunities.

The ban comes shortly after a shocking exposé by BBC Africa Eye, which uncovered a major sex trafficking ring linking Uganda to Dubai. The investigation revealed how a man named Charles Mwesigwa, a pimp based in Dubai, allegedly worked with other traffickers in Uganda to smuggle young Ugandan women into the UAE for prostitution.

Authorities in the UAE appear to have taken the revelations seriously, responding with a blanket visa restriction on Ugandans. This decision is expected to disrupt Uganda’s labour export industry, which sends thousands of workers abroad each year, particularly to the Middle East.

The labour export business has long been seen as a source of employment and foreign income for Uganda, with many families depending on money sent home by relatives working in the UAE. The new visa ban is, therefore, likely to have a deep economic impact on both households and the country at large.

Tour operators and business people are also expected to feel the pinch. The UAE, especially Dubai, has been a top destination for tourism, trade, and investment opportunities for Ugandans. With the ban in place, many businesses will struggle to maintain their operations and connections in the Gulf.

Critics have described the UAE’s move as unfair, arguing that punishing all Ugandans for the crimes of a few is unjust. They say that while Charles Mwesigwa and his network damaged Uganda’s reputation, the majority of Ugandans who travel to Dubai do so for genuine work and trade.

“This is unfair for every Ugandan with good intentions of traveling to Dubai to take all the shots meant for Mwesigwa and his group,” one concerned commentator said, reflecting the frustration shared by many.

The situation has sparked urgent calls for Uganda’s foreign affairs ministry to step in. Diplomats are being urged to open discussions with UAE authorities to seek a solution and possibly lift the ban. Observers say this will require strong negotiations and clear measures to reassure the UAE that Uganda is committed to fighting trafficking.

For now, Ugandans already living and working legally in the UAE remain worried about their future. Many fear that the ban could eventually extend to tighter restrictions on work permits and residency renewals.

As January 2026 approaches, the visa ban stands as a wake-up call for Uganda to address the growing problem of human trafficking and to protect its global image. Whether diplomatic talks can reverse the decision remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the end of Kyeyo in Dubai has left many Ugandans anxious and uncertain about their future abroad.