The police's directorate of criminal investigations (CID) has opened investigations into officials of the ministry of Internal Affairs, directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control for allegedly defrauding tourists entering into the country.
The investigations were ordered by the minister of Internal Affairs, Gen Jeje Odongo following increased complaints by foreigners that they were being charged exorbitant fees for visas.
According to the investigating officers, more than 200 foreigners have filed complaints to the ministry after realising that they paid two to three times the cost of a visa.
For instance, while a tourist visa costs only Shs 190,000, investigations revealed that the officials were charging Shs 560,000 per visa. A reliable source in police who spoke on condition of anonymity, says that a general enquiry file has since been opened.
"We have opened the file. We have complaints from the ministry but now we need the victims to come and record statements," the source said.
While Immigration acknowledges receiving complaints about the illegal visa charges, the officials say the victims have been getting the visas through informal channels. The acting director Citizenship and Immigration, Marcelino Bwesigye says the tourists need to be warned of existing scam sites which charge exorbitant fees or defraud them.
Bwesigye said the official website is, www.visa.immigration.go.ug through which all types of visas to Uganda, work permits, certificates of permanent residence, student passes and dependants' passes at an official fee can be acquired. Bwesigye said visa processing usually takes up to three working days and that there is no extra cost for fast tracking visas.
He advised foreigners seeking visas to use the official to use the official web site and any e-visa applications.
"People visiting Uganda can apply no matter from where you are from and should not be confused as a platform for renewing passports. It's only for foreigners who want to visit Uganda and require a visa" said Bwesigye.
Table showing official visa fees
| Type of visa | Official fees |
| Diplomatic visa (for diplomatic and official passport holders | 0 |
| Uganda ordinary tourist visa | $50 |
| East Africa tourist visa | $100 |
| Transit visa | $50 |
| Multiple entry visa for 6 Months | $100 |
| Multiple entry visa for 12 Months | $100 |
| Multiple entry visa for 24 Months | $150 |
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