Uganda Law Society Sues Government Over Unlawful US Deportee Transfers

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has taken the government to court over the anticipated arrival of deportees from the United States, labeling the transfers as unlawful due to missing legal procedures and consultations.

In a statement issued on April 2, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe highlighted that key bodies like the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Parliament, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were not involved. The group noted a plane with unidentified deportees was due or had landed at Entebbe International Airport, with no supporting policy or legislation in place.

ULS views this as part of broader transnational repression and has sought court remedies in Uganda and the region to halt what they call an international illegality. They stress the need for transparent frameworks to protect national security and individual rights.

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Vianney Luggya denied any deportation flight was scheduled. However, a 2025 Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Uganda and the US allows asylum-seekers to process claims in Uganda, with assurances they won’t be returned to the US or their home countries.

The US Embassy confirmed the STCA governs such transfers in full cooperation with Uganda but withheld case details for privacy. Ambassador Adonia Ayebare affirmed compliance with law, excluding criminals and unaccompanied minors, as a temporary measure for third-country nationals refusing repatriation.

Human rights groups criticize the policy for turning African nations into deportee destinations, echoing a US federal lawsuit that the Supreme Court permitted to proceed.

Source: Daily Monitor