Politics 22 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
US Denies Visas to Several Top Ugandan Officials Ahead of UN Meeting
Several high-ranking Ugandan government officials, excluding the Vice President who leads the delegation, have been denied U.S. visas for the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Vice President Jessica Alupo is among only five Ugandan delegates granted entry. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/top-govt-officials-denied-us-visas-for-un-meeting-5604394
Vice President Jessica Alupo has arrived in New York to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which commences today. The assembly’s theme this year is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: UN that delivers for all.”
However, the Ugandan delegation’s participation has been significantly hampered, as diplomatic sources indicate that only five members, including the Vice President, have been granted entry visas to the United States. This means a substantial number of other government officials expected to be part of the delegation were denied visas.
Typically, Uganda’s delegation to the annual UNGA comprises between 20 and 30 officials, highlighting the impact of these visa denials on the country’s representation and engagement at the global forum. The specific reasons for the visa rejections for the other officials have not been publicly disclosed.
Vice President Alupo is set to lead the Ugandan contingent in discussions and bilateral meetings during the assembly. Her arrival was confirmed as she landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
This situation raises questions about diplomatic access and the processes involved in granting visas for international multilateral events. The limited number of approved delegates may affect Uganda’s ability to fully participate in all scheduled discussions and side events at the UNGA.