KAMPALA — An American national who until recently served as principal of Heritage International School has been denied entry into Uganda for the second time following a trip abroad, deepening an ongoing dispute involving immigration authorities and her former employer.
The individual, identified in earlier reports as Dr. Kymmberli Stowe, had been at the centre of a prolonged conflict with the school’s management prior to her departure from the country.
According to media reports, she was recently blocked from re-entering Uganda after travelling overseas, in what marks a second such incident. The first denial reportedly occurred on December 30, 2025, when she attempted to return from China after what was described as an arranged departure following the termination of her contract.
Her employment at the school had already been terminated, a move that effectively invalidated the visa and work permit under which she had been residing in Uganda.
The dispute traces back to her dismissal in late 2025, which she challenged through petitions to various government agencies, including the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. She alleged unfair treatment and irregularities in the school’s governance, claims the institution has denied.
Following her dismissal, the American national was arrested and detained by immigration authorities before being deported from Uganda, amid controversy and criticism from human rights advocates.
Immigration officials have previously indicated that her work permit status was tied to her employment, and that changes to her contract affected her legal stay in the country.
The latest denial of entry raises fresh questions about her ability to return to Uganda to pursue legal action related to her dismissal, as earlier arrangements had reportedly suggested she could come back to continue her case.
Authorities had not issued a detailed public explanation on the most recent incident by the time of reporting.
