Politics 3 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Receives First US Deportees Under Safe Third Country Agreement
Uganda has confirmed the arrival of eight African third-country nationals whose US asylum claims were rejected, marking the first deportations under a 2025 Safe Third Country Deal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized compliance with international laws, including non-refoulement, while their protection requests will be processed in Uganda. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-confirms-receiving-us-deportees-whose-asylum-claims-were-rejected-5412424
Uganda has officially received its first group of deportees from the United States under the 2025 Safe Third Country Agreement. The eight individuals, all third-country nationals of African origin, had their asylum claims rejected by US authorities and arrived in Uganda on April 1, 2026.
Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire Waiswa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the deal aligns with Uganda’s national laws and international obligations. It targets non-citizens of Uganda or the US who are reluctant to return to their home countries. Each case was reviewed and approved by a US immigration judge prior to deportation.
Bagiire highlighted the principle of non-refoulement, ensuring no one is returned to face torture or inhuman treatment. Uganda, deemed a safe third country, will handle their protection requests with dignity, though details remain private for confidentiality reasons.
This move is part of a broader US strategy under President Trump to expedite removals of undocumented migrants, especially those with criminal records whose home nations refuse them. Similar agreements exist with Rwanda, South Sudan, Eswatini, and Honduras.
The development has sparked debate in Uganda. Supporters view it as shared responsibility, while critics like the Uganda Law Society question its legality, secrecy, and impact on local resources and rights. Meanwhile, President Museveni has praised Trump’s deportation efforts, urging migrants to develop their own countries.