Reports indicate that, UNAA President, Henrieta Nairuba Wamala, and the Consular Chief at US Embassy in Uganda, Ms. Sally Sternal, have been taking money from desperate applicants, ostensibly to secure US visas.

This, has called for a probe by the US Immigration & Customs Enforcement under the Homeland Security Department, which is targeting Embassy officials and high-profile members of the Uganda North America Association (UNAA).

A tip off by some Ugandan victims living in America & those back home, has unearthed the dirty dealings of UNAA President, Madam Henrieta Nairuba Wamala, after she also accidentally leaked her WhatsApp text, in one of the community groups to the effect that, she was constantly in touch with US Embassy personnel to influence the visa process, with reports claiming to an intent of fleecing money from the fraudulent activities.
“Yes, I have just gotten off the phone with the Consul at the American Embassy and have secured for you the slot, drop off your passport at 12pm midday, they will be expecting you.” reads Henrietta’s WhatsApp text in the community group.

In line with the above, and intervention of US Immigration & Customs Enforcement authorities, Henrietta & Sally have committed a federal felony, which is a crime of the highest level, equivalent to treason (Uganda).

For starters, a federal felony is a crime of the highest level, for instance taking part in crimes involving illegal entry into the USA. The felony carries a potential conviction penalty of more than a year, which can substantially impact one’s life. Not only can one face prison time, but one may also be subjected to various other consequences, that make it difficult for one to readjust to society.

Usually, all travel authorizations to USA, are submitted online and each applicant must make a good case just to secure an interview, without any insider assistance, appearing in person for the interview after paying the non-refundable $160 (600,000), according to information gleaned on the US Embassy in Uganda Website.

UNAA President’s leaked WhatsApp text, however, appears to be the one of the many reports of frustration in acquiring visas at the Embassy in Kampala.

There have also emerged reports of extortion by UNAA, where Ugandans desperate to get into the States, have had to part with millions of shillings, in exchange for invitations, especially when time for UNAA convention approaches, with this year’s event slated for September 1-5 in Dallas Texas.

One of the victims, in the case under probe against  Henrietta, Mr Osito Steve, informed this publication that, his relative, a middle-aged woman, fell prey to the ongoing visa thuggery by UNAA, in relation to the September Dallas Convention.

Osito revealed that, his relative paid $200 for the convention, but has had to wait in vain, as no response has been received from UNAA.

When Osito, however, reached out to the whole UNAA Executive on the community WhatsApp platform, they claimed it was still early since the applicant had just paid.
“Then their henchmen started defending the scam of their masters that one couldn’t expect a response immediately after paying. People are chasing time, and in this digital era, one expects a response almost instantly after paying, but they continue to pay a blind eye. Up to now, my friend has neither received an invitation or been refunded and there seems no hope, as the convention is just over a week away,” stressed Osito.

Another member, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had received complaints from two people, who have equally been robbed in a similar way, with promises for invitations that never arrived.

According to the anonymous source, these might not be the only cases which call for a deeper probe, to restore sanity at UNAA and ensure justice for the victims, many of whom may not be able to disclose.

Renowned investigative journalist, Remmy Bahati, has acknowledged the complaints, saying she has tried to engage the Kampala Embassy over the same.
”Yes, I have heard of the allegations and I contacted the Embassy in Kampala but they referred me to the State Department since I am based in the US which I have done. I am yet to receive a response from them.” said Bahati on the phone.

In this case, if found guilty, Henrietta, other UNAA & Consular officials, who might have played a part in aiding the fraudulent visa acquisitions, could be convicted of having committed federal felonies.