Uganda Agrees to Accept U.S. Deportees Under Strict Conditions
Uganda has confirmed a preliminary agreement with the United States to accept deported migrants under strict conditions, excluding those with criminal records, unaccompanied minors, and prioritizing individuals of African descent. This deal, still in the finalization process, has sparked significant backlash from human rights advocates and opposition leaders, who raise concerns about its legal and ethical implications, reports 24brussels.
- Eligibility: Only third-country nationals without criminal records or unaccompanied minors will be considered.
- Preference: Uganda has expressed a preference for African nationals, though the rationale remains unclear.
- Status: The arrangement is described as “temporary,” with implementation details still under negotiation.
This agreement follows a discussion between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, during which they addressed migration, trade, and regional stability issues. The U.S. embassy in Kampala declined to comment on the specifics, citing ongoing diplomatic negotiations, but reiterated President Trump’s commitment to “keeping Americans safe.”
Human rights attorney Nicholas Opio characterized the arrangement as akin to human trafficking, questioning the legal status of those deported and warning that Uganda risks becoming a “dumping ground” for unwanted migrants. Critics assert that the agreement may infringe upon international law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals back to countries where they may face danger.
Opposition lawmaker Muwada Nkunyingi indicated that the agreement may be politically motivated, aimed at enhancing Uganda’s international standing ahead of the 2026 elections. He urged Washington to take into account Uganda’s poor human rights record, noting recent sanctions and the contentious 2023 anti-homosexuality law.
Uganda joins a growing number of nations—including Eswatini, South Sudan, and Rwanda—that have accepted U.S. deportees under similar conditions. In July, reports emerged that deportees sent to Eswatini were subjected to solitary confinement, raising additional concerns regarding the treatment and precarious legal status of those transferred.
