Uganda agrees to deal with US to take in deported asylum seekers
Uganda President, Museveni Tibuhaburwa
Uganda has agreed to receive nationals from third countries who may be denied asylum in the United States but do not wish to return to their home countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday.
The arrangement excludes individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors. Officials said the agreement is still being finalized and emphasized a preference for African nationals.
Uganda, which hosts Africa’s largest refugee population of about 1.7 million, joins Rwanda and South Sudan in such agreements with the US. The ministry described the arrangement as temporary, with detailed implementation plans still under discussion.
The announcement follows previous statements from Ugandan officials rejecting the idea, citing limited capacity to accommodate deportees.
US President Donald Trump has stepped up efforts to deport undocumented migrants to third countries, including those with criminal convictions, raising concerns from human rights groups over potential violations of international law.
Al-Jazeera
