Uganda Receives Transferred Asylum Seekers From US Under Bilateral Deal, But Numbers and Legal Challenges Emerge
KAMPALA, April 3, 2026 – Uganda has begun accepting individuals removed from the United States under a bilateral agreement signed in July 2025, with the first group of eight third-country nationals arriving on April 1, according to an official government statement. However, unconfirmed reports on social media suggest additional transfers have since taken place, alongside growing legal opposition from Ugandan civil society.
Official Statement Confirms First Arrivals
In a press release issued April 3, the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that eight individuals — all of African origin, neither Ugandan nor American citizens — landed in the country on April 1 after their cases were reviewed and approved by a U.S. immigration judge. Their protection requests will now be processed under Ugandan law.
The government emphasized that the so-called “Safe Third Country Agreement” respects both nations’ international obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning anyone to a country where they would face torture or cruel treatment.
“Uganda continues to uphold its longstanding commitment to providing sanctuary to persons in need and ensuring that they are treated with dignity,” the statement read.
Reports of Additional Transfers
Contrary to the official release, a summary of posts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) indicates that transfers have continued. According to those reports, 12 more individuals arrived on April 2 and another eight on April 3, bringing the three-day total to 28. These figures have not been independently verified or confirmed by the Ugandan or U.S. governments. Officials have cited privacy reasons for withholding detailed information on the individuals.
Uganda already hosts over 1.5 million refugees, one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. The government has stated that the agreement excludes criminals and unaccompanied minors.
Legal Challenge From Uganda Law Society
The transfers have not been without domestic opposition. The Uganda Law Society has reportedly filed a court challenge against the agreement, arguing that the process lacks dignity and transparency. Critics allege that there was insufficient consultation with Ugandan stakeholders and that the country’s resources are already strained, particularly in light of donor funding cuts to humanitarian programs.
The Law Society’s legal action seeks to halt further transfers pending judicial review, though no court ruling has been issued as of this writing.
Broader Context: US Deportation Strategy
Observers note that the agreement aligns with a broader deportation strategy pursued during the Trump administration, which sought to send rejected asylum seekers and other removable individuals to third countries, particularly those of African origin reluctant to return to their home nations. The July 2025 deal with Uganda formalizes Kampala’s role as a destination for such cases.
The U.S. government has not issued a separate statement on the recent arrivals, but the bilateral agreement signed last year remains in effect.
What Comes Next
The eight individuals from the April 1 group are now undergoing protection request examinations in Uganda. It remains unclear whether additional arrivals beyond the official count have occurred or will continue. The Ugandan government has not responded publicly to the Law Society’s lawsuit or to the unconfirmed social media reports of further transfers.
About The Author
