Uganda spared from Trump's recent travel ban to various African countries

The Trump administration has drafted a new travel restriction list, but Uganda is not among the countries affected. The plan, still under review, classifies nations into three categories based on the level of restrictions they may face when traveling to the United States.

According to the draft, first reported by the New York Times, the strictest category, the "Red List," consists of 11 countries, including Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. Citizens from these nations would face complete travel bans.

Another category, the "Orange List," includes 10 countries, such as Russia, Pakistan, and South Sudan. Travelers from these nations may undergo stricter background checks before being allowed entry into the U.S. Meanwhile, the "Yellow List" features 22 countries, mostly from Africa and the Caribbean, that could face additional security measures at U.S. entry points.

Despite recent tensions between Uganda and the U.S. over governance, human rights, and security policies, Uganda is not part of the restricted countries. The Biden administration had previously imposed sanctions on Ugandan officials and limited trade due to Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Law and actions against opposition protests.

However, sources suggest that Uganda's exclusion from the list may be due to its strong cooperation on counterterrorism, efforts in maintaining regional stability, and its diplomatic ties with the current U.S. administration.

Recently, Uganda’s army chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with U.S. envoy William Popp to enhance diplomatic relations. Muhoozi highlighted the “long-standing relationship and cooperation between Uganda and the United States of America,” emphasizing the need to strengthen their partnership.

Ambassador Popp, on his part, commended Uganda’s leadership in Somalia, where the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) have been engaged in anti-terrorism efforts. He also praised Uganda’s open-door policy for refugees, which has provided shelter to thousands fleeing conflicts in neighboring countries.

Amb. Popp expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-Uganda relations, stating that their cooperation would “continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.”

As the Trump administration prepares to finalize the policy, some of the affected nations are expected to react strongly to the restrictions.