In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in Uganda, the rise of visa extortion rackets disguised as travel assistance. Many travelers, especially first-time applicants, have fallen prey to unscrupulous travel agents who promise guaranteed visas in exchange for hefty payments. These manipulative tactics exploit people’s lack of access to accurate information and their desperation to travel abroad for work, education, or tourism.
The Scam: What’s Happening?
Unscrupulous agents claim to have “inside connections” at embassies or promise visa approvals with no questions asked. They often:
- Ask for non-refundable fees ranging from UGX 1M to 10M.
- Falsify documents such as bank statements or invitation letters.
- Use fear tactics, telling clients that applying directly will result in rejection.
- Disappear after payment or provide fake visa appointment .
This false promise of “luck” or “shortcuts” has led to thousands of Ugandans losing money and facing long-term travel bans after being implicated in fraudulent applications.
How to Protect Yourself from Visa Extortion
- Always use official embassy websites or authorized partners like VFS Global.
- Never pay upfront for promises of visa approval.
- Avoid agents who guarantee visas—no one can.
- Cross-check requirements from official country websites (e.g., UDI for Norway, Canada.ca for Canada, Travel.state.gov for the U.S.
- Report fraud to local police or embassy fraud hotlines or Contact Our team at Factjaja for free consultation verify@factjaja
At Factjaja, we are committed to exposing disinformation in all its forms—including scams that affect vulnerable populations. Through fact-checking, community outreach, and language-inclusive content, we are helping travelers make informed and empowered decisions.
We urge aspiring travelers to seek information first, ask questions, and verify sources. Travel is a privilege that should begin with knowledge—not deception.
By: Adolph Muhumuza
