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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Uganda"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ug-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ug-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ug-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ug-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ug_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ug_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Coat_of_arms_of_the_Republic_of_Uganda.svg/559px-Coat_of_arms_of_the_Republic_of_Uganda.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Coat_of_arms_of_the_Republic_of_Uganda.svg/559px-Coat_of_arms_of_the_Republic_of_Uganda.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Mount_Khadam%2C_Uganda.JPG/800px-Mount_Khadam%2C_Uganda.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mount Khadam, Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Mount_Khadam%2C_Uganda.JPG/800px-Mount_Khadam%2C_Uganda.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Mount Khadam'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Kampala_26.08.2009_12-39-51.jpg/800px-Kampala_26.08.2009_12-39-51.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Street views in Kampala, Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Kampala_26.08.2009_12-39-51.jpg/800px-Kampala_26.08.2009_12-39-51.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' Street views in Kampala'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/8758086867_2118bc8ef9.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A girl in Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/8758086867_2118bc8ef9.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Uganda_-_Ruwenzori_Mountain_Lady.jpg/398px-Uganda_-_Ruwenzori_Mountain_Lady.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Woman in Ruwenzori, Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Uganda_-_Ruwenzori_Mountain_Lady.jpg/398px-Uganda_-_Ruwenzori_Mountain_Lady.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Woman in Ruwenzori'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Uganda_students.jpg/800px-Uganda_students.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Students in Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Uganda_students.jpg/800px-Uganda_students.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Students'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Road_between_Fort_Portal_and_Rebisengo_-_Flickr_-_Dave_Proffer_%287%29.jpg/800px-Road_between_Fort_Portal_and_Rebisengo_-_Flickr_-_Dave_Proffer_%287%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Uganda.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Road_between_Fort_Portal_and_Rebisengo_-_Flickr_-_Dave_Proffer_%287%29.jpg/800px-Road_between_Fort_Portal_and_Rebisengo_-_Flickr_-_Dave_Proffer_%287%29.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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{{#eimage:https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3252/2291754260_912ae18679.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''''''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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Uganda is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Uganda-Kob.jpg/800px-Uganda-Kob.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' [[Uganda]] Kob (male) in the Queen Elisabeth National Park'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7045908623_69f109e4d6.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tetugu village'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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Taking into consideration recent allegations of misconduct in intercountry adoptions in Uganda, the Department of State would like to remind prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] that before an immigrant visa may be issued to an [[adopted]] child, a U.S. consular officer must ensure that the adoption is legal under Ugandan law and that the child is qualified under U.S. immigration law to immigrate to the United States.
 
  
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
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The Department of State reminds prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] that, in Uganda, consular officers are required by law to conduct an orphan investigation (I-604) to verify the child's orphan status prior to the issuance of an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa. Depending on the circumstances of a case, this investigation may take up to one month. If there are any unresolved questions during this orphan investigation, the consular officer must forward the case to USCIS Nairobi for final adjudication. This will take up to 30 days from USCIS' receipt of the file. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] are therefore urged to work with their [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the U.S. to confirm the status of their case before traveling to Uganda.  
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The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
  
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'''HAT TO EXPECT:'''
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=About Uganda=
  
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The U.S. Embassy in Kampala receives a high volume of adoption petitions. It is important that prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] have completed all the required tasks and obtained all of the necessary paperwork before scheduling an interview to allow for prompt and efficient service.
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The colonial boundaries created by Britain to delimit [[Uganda]] grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures. These differences prevented the establishment of a working political community after independence was achieved in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000 lives. The rule of Yoweri MUSEVENI since 1986 has brought relative stability and economic growth to [[Uganda]]. A constitutional referendum in 2005 cancelled a 19-year ban on multi-party politics. Source: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ug.html.
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Once prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] arrive in Uganda, the legal process can take approximately four to eight weeks, if not longer, depending on how promptly the Ugandan courts act. Ugandan courts expect that the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] will be present in court. If a prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] is not present, the court may not record the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]]'s name on the court ruling and guardianship order. The U.S. Embassy requires that the petitioner's name be on both of these documents, so please plan accordingly. Many people plan on being in country for about two weeks and are disappointed when they realize the process takes much longer.
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[[Uganda]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]](Hague [[Adoption]] Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about [[Uganda and the Hague Convention]].
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'''WORKING WITH U.S. EMBASSY KAMPALA:'''
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The U.S. Embassy in Kampala is here to help with the adoption process, and we ask you to help us maximize our resources.  
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When you are ready to travel to Uganda for the first time, we ask you to do the following:
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::::1. Enroll online with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://step.state.gov.
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::::2. Email us at KampalaAdoptions@state.gov to in order to let us know you will be in country to process an adoption. Please include the following information:
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::::::::1. Petitioner's name
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::::::::2. Date of arrival
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::::::::3. Estimated court date
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::::::::4. Child's (beneficiary's) name
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::::::::5. Contact phone number
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Starting in the fall of 2013, U.S. Embassy Kampala will hold monthly sessions for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to explain the adoption process in Uganda and discuss how you can best work with the U.S. Embassy. These are general overview sessions, and we encourage all in-country families to attend, regardless of where you are in the adoption process. Email KampalaAdoptions@state.gov to RSVP for the next session.
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Please understand that we cannot intervene with any Ugandan legal processes, to include the court process and obtaining civil documents such as birth certificates and passports. We are also unable to assist you with filling out required paperwork for the [[I-600]] petition filing and immigrant visa application processes.
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from Uganda, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can [[adopt]] under U.S. immigration law.
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Additionally, a child must meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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Ugandan law places restrictions on the ability of foreign citizens to [[adopt]] Ugandan children. '''The Children's Act states that a foreign citizen may, in exceptional circumstances, [[adopt]] a Ugandan child if the foreigner has resided in Uganda for at least three years and if the foreigner has also fostered the child for 36 months. However, recently High Court judges have made some exceptions to these three-year residency and fostering requirements on a case-by-case basis if it was deemed to be the best interest of the child.''' It is unclear whether this is a permanent change in the interpretation of the law.
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Ugandan law places restrictions on the ability of foreign citizens to [[adopt]] Ugandan children. The Children's Act states that a foreign citizen may, in exceptional circumstances, [[adopt]] a Ugandan child if the foreigner has resided in [[Uganda]] for at least three years and if the foreigner has also fostered the child for 36 months. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Uganda]].
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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Ugandan High Court judges have also exercised discretion in approving legal guardianship decrees (which may permit the child to emigrate for full and final adoption abroad) in certain cases where the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] were unable to meet the requirements for adoption in Uganda.
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Uganda]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Uganda]].
  
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from Uganda:
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=How to Adopt=
  
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==Residency==
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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Unless a judge waives the fostering requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must reside in Uganda with their prospective adoptive child for three years. This means that a foreign citizen may [[adopt]] a Ugandan child if the foreigner has resided in Uganda for at least three years, and has also fostered the child for 36 months.
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'''[[Uganda]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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The Department of Youth and Child Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is the body charged with overseeing inter-country adoptions. Legal [[guardianship]] or [[adoption]] orders can only be granted by the High Court.
  
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Applicants must be at least 25 years old and 21 years older than the child they plan to [[adopt]]. In the case of a married couple, it is sufficient for one spouse to meet these requirements.  
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[[Uganda]]'s Children Act is the [[legislation]] governing all aspects of the fostering, legal [[guardianship]], and [[adoption]] process.  
  
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==Marriage==
 
  
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Married couples must [[adopt]] jointly. Single parents may [[adopt]], but they may not [[adopt]] a child of the opposite sex (unless an exception is made). While Uganda does not specifically prohibit adoption by LGBT individuals or couples, political and cultural perspectives in Uganda may mean that same-sex couples may not be approved for adoption by Ugandan courts. Single gay and lesbian applicants may face additional scrutiny or not be approved if the courts become aware of their sexual orientation.
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==The Process==
  
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==Income==
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The process for adopting a child from [[Uganda]] generally includes the following steps:
  
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There are no specific income requirements for Ugandan adoption, although prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be able to prove financial stability.
 
  
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==Other==
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
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# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
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# Be matched with a child
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# [[Adopt]] or obtain [[custody]] of the child in [[Uganda]]
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# Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
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# Bring your child home
  
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Foreign [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must demonstrate they have no criminal record, and that they have been approved by their country of nationality to [[adopt]].
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Uganda]].
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Uganda has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption:
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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'''[[Relinquishment]]:''' The consent of both biological parents, if known, must be obtained and may be withdrawn prior to the execution of the adoption order. Under U.S. immigration law, if both biological parents for a child are living, they must independently release their child for adoption and emigration abroad, prior to U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] being identified. The irrevocable releases must be in writing in English and the biological parents' native language.  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Uganda]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read [[Traveling Abroad in Uganda]].
  
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'''[[Abandonment]]:''' The police and Probation and Social Welfare Officers have the authority to certify a child as abandoned. 
 
  
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'''Age of Adoptive Child:''' Children who are 14 years old or older must consent to the adoption. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] must be at least 21 years older than the child to be [[adopted]]. Uganda does not have an upper age limit for adoption.
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=After Adoption=
  
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'''Sibling Adoptions:''' Sibling adoptions are possible and do not have any unique requirements.
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:''' None
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
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'''Waiting Period or Foster Care:''' Ugandan law requires [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to have been resident in Uganda for at least three years and to have fostered the child for at least 36 months under the supervision of a probation and social welfare officer. High court judges have the discretion to waive these requirements.
 
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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'''Caution:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children's homes are adoptable. In many countries, including Uganda, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children's home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]] or consented to their child(ren)'s adoption.
 
  
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
  
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Additionally, many birth parents agree to intercountry adoption without fully understanding its ramifications. They often believe the child(ren) will return to Uganda and to their birth families at age 18.
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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=How to Adopt=
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
  
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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=Contact Information=
  
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==The Process==
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Uganda]]'''
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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Plot 1577 Ggaba Road
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P.O. Box 7007, Kampala
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[[Uganda]]
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Telephone: 256 414 306 001
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Email: KampalaAdoptions@state.gov
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Website: [http://kampala.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy Uganda]
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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'''[[Uganda]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Uganda. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
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The Department of Youth and Child Affairs
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Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development
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Simbamanyo House, Plot 2
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Lumumba Avenue
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Kampala, [[Uganda]]
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Telephone: 256-413-478-545
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Fax: 256-41-256-374
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E-mail: ps@mglsd.go.ug
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Website: [http://mglsd.go.ug/ MGLSD]
  
  
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'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
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'''[[Uganda]] Registration Services Bureau (URSB)'''
  
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Uganda, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
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Plot 5 George Street, Georgian House
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P.O. Box 6848
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Kampala, [[Uganda]]
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URSB General Line: 256-414-233-219
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Registrar General: 256-414-235-915
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Fax: 256-414-250-712
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Email: ursb@ursb.go.ug
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Website: [http://www.ursb.go.ug URSB]
  
  
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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'''Embassy of the Republic of [[Uganda]]'''
  
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Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
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5911 16th Street, NW,  
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[[Washington]] DC 20011
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Tel: (202) 726-7100
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Fax: (202) 726-1727
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Email: info@ugandaembassyus.org
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Website: [http://ugandaemb.org Embassy of Uganda]
  
  
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
  
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Uganda, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
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=After Adoption=
 
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
  
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
  
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
 
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
 
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
 
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[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
 
  
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=uganda
  
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 03:03, 24 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Mount Khadam
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Street views in Kampala
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Woman in Ruwenzori
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Students
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: Wikipedia.org.

'
Source: flickr.com.

Kob (male) in the Queen Elisabeth National Park
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Tetugu village
Source: flickr.com.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About Uganda

The colonial boundaries created by Britain to delimit Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures. These differences prevented the establishment of a working political community after independence was achieved in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000 lives. The rule of Yoweri MUSEVENI since 1986 has brought relative stability and economic growth to Uganda. A constitutional referendum in 2005 cancelled a 19-year ban on multi-party politics. Source: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ug.html.

Hague Convention Information

Uganda is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F). To learn more please read about Uganda and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Ugandan law places restrictions on the ability of foreign citizens to adopt Ugandan children. The Children's Act states that a foreign citizen may, in exceptional circumstances, adopt a Ugandan child if the foreigner has resided in Uganda for at least three years and if the foreigner has also fostered the child for 36 months. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Uganda.

Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Uganda has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Uganda.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Uganda's Adoption Authority

The Department of Youth and Child Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is the body charged with overseeing inter-country adoptions. Legal guardianship or adoption orders can only be granted by the High Court.

Uganda's Children Act is the legislation governing all aspects of the fostering, legal guardianship, and adoption process.


The Process

The process for adopting a child from Uganda generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an adoption service provider
  2. Apply to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child
  4. Adopt or obtain custody of the child in Uganda
  5. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
  6. Bring your child home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Uganda.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Uganda. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read Traveling Abroad in Uganda.


After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Uganda

Plot 1577 Ggaba Road P.O. Box 7007, Kampala Uganda Telephone: 256 414 306 001 Email: KampalaAdoptions@state.gov Website: U.S. Embassy Uganda


Uganda’s Adoption Authority

The Department of Youth and Child Affairs Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Simbamanyo House, Plot 2 Lumumba Avenue Kampala, Uganda Telephone: 256-413-478-545 Fax: 256-41-256-374 E-mail: ps@mglsd.go.ug Website: MGLSD


Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)

Plot 5 George Street, Georgian House P.O. Box 6848 Kampala, Uganda URSB General Line: 256-414-233-219 Registrar General: 256-414-235-915 Fax: 256-414-250-712 Email: ursb@ursb.go.ug Website: URSB


Embassy of the Republic of Uganda

5911 16th Street, NW, Washington DC 20011 Tel: (202) 726-7100 Fax: (202) 726-1727 Email: info@ugandaembassyus.org Website: Embassy of Uganda


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=uganda