Uganda Receives First Deportees from U.S. Under New Migration Deal

The Ugandan government has stated the arrival of eight people who have been deported from the United States under the recently signed bilateral agreement for migration.

News comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uganda gave an official press statement in Kampala on April 3, 2026.

In the official statement, the Ugandan government indicated that the signing of the deal took place back in July 2025 and is centered on examining protection claims.

It has been noted that the deal is within the Ugandan laws both internationally and domestically in terms of dealing with refugees and immigrants.

“The Governments of the Republic of Uganda and the United States of America (USA) signed an Agreement for Cooperation in the Examination of Protection Requests in July 2025,” the Ministry stated, noting that, “the Agreement conforms to Uganda’s national laws and international obligations.”

The Ministry further clarified that the agreement specifically applies to third-country nationals of African origin who are neither citizens of Uganda nor the United States.

These individuals, it said, may have failed to secure asylum in the US or expressed concerns about returning to their countries of origin.

“As the Ministry clarified after the agreement was signed, it is in respect of third country nationals or individuals who are neither citizens of Uganda nor the USA, but of African origin,” the statement read.

Scope of the Agreement and Legal Safeguards

Officials underscored that the arrangement incorporates internationally recognized protections, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face harm.

This principle is central to refugee protection frameworks globally.

“This Safe Third Country Agreement takes into account both Governments’ international obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement that guarantees that no one should be returned to a country where they would face torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,” the Ministry stated.

Uganda reiterated that the protections apply universally, regardless of a person’s migration status, reinforcing its longstanding role as a host country for displaced populations across the region.

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Arrival of First Set of People

The first set of eight people is reported to have arrived in Uganda from the US, having been reviewed and granted approval by an immigration judge of the United States Immigration.

Their applications for protection will be processed under Ugandan laws and institutions.

“Consistent with this bilateral agreement, a set of eight (8) people, whose case had been reviewed and approved by a USA immigration judge, arrived in Uganda from the USA on 1st April 2026,” the press statement read.

The Ministry further indicated that information about these people cannot be disclosed due to issues of privacy.

“Privacy-wise, their information may not be disclosed,” the Ministry reiterated.

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Position of Uganda on Refugees

The government restated its dedication to humanitarian principles, citing its track record of sheltering those in need who were forced to flee because of conflicts and persecutions.

It was also made clear that this new initiative did not change Uganda’s overall refugee policy in any way.

“Uganda has continued to uphold its historic commitment to giving sanctuary to people in need, and treating them with respect and dignity,” the statement ended.

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