Uganda revises visa charges for S. Sudan nationals: official

July 22, 2015 (JUBA) – Uganda has agreed to revise visa charges for South Sudan nationals, a month after its parliament passed a legislation increasing the fee from $50 to 100.

A spokesperson for South Sudan’s foreign affairs ministry said the two governments have agreed to have the charges maintained at $50 as part of a special arrangement between the two nations.

“This is going to between the two countries. It is going to be an arrangement between South Sudan and the republic of Uganda,” Mawien Makol told Sudan Tribune Wednesday.

The two neighbouring countries reportedly agreed at meeting held Tuesday to maintain the $50 fee, amid claims the decision was made without the knowledge Uganda’s ministry of foreign affairs.

Makol said what the two countries agreed upon would take immediate effect.

“The change will be effective within this week. Within two to three days, the changes will be reflected. The two countries have already agreed in the meeting held on Tuesday over the matter,” he said.

The Ugandan internal affairs ministry, in a circular issued in 30 June, announced that it had increased its single entry visa fees under section 4 sub paragraph (i) of the country’s Finance Act of 2014.

“This is therefore, to inform the public that effective 1st July, 2015, inform our esteemed clients and the general Public that the new fees and payment system shall apply,” the circular reads in part.

Observers, however, say the decision by the Ugandan parliament was bound to deprive the country of revenues from South Sudanese who pay regular weekend visit to their family members living in Uganda. Many of them were already considering moving their family members to neighbouring Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan.

(ST)