Uganda Spared from U.S. Travel Restrictions in Trump Administration’s Draft List

Washington, D.C. — Uganda is notably absent from the list of countries whose citizens will be restricted by the Trump administration from traveling to the United States.

The proposed plan, which is still under review, categorizes affected nations into three tiers: a “Red List” of 11 countries whose citizens would face outright travel bans, an “Orange List” of 10 nations subject to enhanced vetting, and a “Yellow List” of 22 countries that could experience milder restrictions or additional scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry.

According to the draft first reported by the New York Times, the Red List includes Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen—countries already subject to various U.S. sanctions or security concerns. 

Meanwhile, nations like Russia, Pakistan, and South Sudan feature in the Orange List, which could mean extensive background checks for travelers. 

Several African and Caribbean nations appear on the Yellow List, signaling potential limitations.

While several African countries have been targeted, Uganda’s omission has not appeared on the list, given its recent tensions with the U.S. administration over governance, human rights, and security concerns. 

The Biden adminstration imposed sanctions on Ugandan officials and restricted trade due to Kampala’s passing of the Anti-homosexuality law and suppression of opposition protests.

However, diplomatic sources suggest Uganda’s strong counterterrorism cooperation, regional stability efforts, and strategic relations with the new U.S. adminstration may have contributed to its exclusion.

Uganda’s army chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba recently met with U.S. envoy William Popp to strengthen bilateral ties.

Muhoozi praised the “long-standing relationship and cooperation between Uganda and the United States of America”, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that this bilateral partnership continues to thrive.

On his part, Amb Popp commended Uganda for its leadership role in Somalia where the UPDF has been fighting terrorism and its open policy on refugees, which has provided sanctuary to thousands fleeing conflict and instability.

Amb Popp reiterated his optimism that the cooperation between the U.S. and Uganda would “continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.”

As the Trump administration finalizes its decision, international outcry is expected from the affected nations.