Six Ugandans Named Among ‘Worst of the Worst’ Criminal Immigrants Arrested by U.S. Authorities
In a move highlighting tightened U.S. immigration enforcement, six Ugandan nationals have been publicly listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) among the “worst of the worst” criminal immigrants arrested by authorities.
The individuals were apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following convictions for serious crimes across various states. The DHS published the list on its website, stating it is “highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens.”
The listed Ugandans and their convictions are:
· Hannington Mutenga: Arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah, for assault.
· Kiwanna Mukiibi: Arrested in San Diego, California, for aggravated assault with a weapon and assault.
· Adrian Kawuba: Arrested in White Deer, Pennsylvania, for wire fraud.
· Winner Mangeni: Arrested in Lowell, Massachusetts, for assault and flight to avoid prosecution.
· Derrick Sserwanja: Arrested in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, for sexual exploitation of a minor via telecommunications.
· Daudah Mayanja: Arrested in Bennington, Vermont, for sexual assault.
The DHS attributed the enforcement actions to the leadership of Secretary Noem, saying the department is “fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst.”
New Visa Bonds and Processing Pause for Ugandans
This development coincides with the recent announcement of stricter visa measures for Ugandan travellers to the United States. On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala revealed that Ugandans applying for certain visas may now be required to pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000 (approximately 57 million Ugandan Shillings).
U.S. Ambassador William Popp explained that the measure is part of an expanded Visa Bond Pilot Programme introduced by the Trump administration, targeting countries considered to present immigration risks. The bond applies to successful applicants for B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visas (for business and tourism) and is refunded if the traveller complies with all visa conditions, including departing the U.S. on time.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Uganda. The pause, effective since January 21, 2026, will remain until authorities are satisfied with enhanced vetting processes to ensure new immigrants are unlikely to rely on public assistance. The embassy clarified that this pause does not affect nonimmigrant visas for tourism, study, or work.
The U.S. Embassy emphasized that the changes aim to protect national security while maintaining legitimate travel, noting the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations. Travellers are advised to verify their authorised stay dates through the DHS I-94 system.
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