Uganda Agrees to Accept Deported Migrants from the United States

Uganda has agreed to accept certain deportees from the United States specifically, individuals without criminal records and who are not unaccompanied minors, with a preference for those of African origin. This deal fits into the U.S. strategy to deport undocumented migrants to third countries as part of a national security and immigration enforcement drive. 

The arrangement was announced by Uganda’s Foreign Ministry, describing it as a temporary arrangement currently still under negotiation. On the U.S. side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni about the agreement, during which he acknowledged Uganda’s record in regional peacekeeping and its role in providing stability.

A Ugandan official initially denied any agreement existed, stating that discussions were limited to “visas, tariffs, sanctions, and related issues.” Days later, however, the government confirmed the agreement, insisting it would only apply to migrants fitting the outlined conditions.

The U.S. has increasingly pursued a policy of removing non-citizens including those from Latin America and Asia to third countries when their home countries refuse to accept them or legal challenges make returns difficult. Recent cases include deportations to Eswatini, South Sudan, and potentially Rwanda, often involving individuals with criminal backgrounds. Deportees sent to these countries have faced indefinite detention, sometimes in solitary confinement while awaiting return to their home countries, which can take months or longer. The Uganda deal follows this expansion of third-country removal policies under the Trump administration’s second term.

Many African nations oppose acting as a dumping ground for deportees. Concerns include violation of international law, especially principles like non-refoulement (the prohibition against deporting people to countries where they could face harm), as well as fear of imported instability and humanitarian stress.

In Uganda’s case, critics have openly likened the agreement to human trafficking, questioning whether deportees would be treated as refugees or detainees under unclear legal status. Opposition politicians framed the move as a bid by Uganda’s long-serving leadership to gain favor ahead of the 2026 elections, highlighting the political dimensions behind such deals.

At this stage, specific details remain unclear as the agreement is still being negotiated, and no timeline or capacity figures have been released. Depending on Uganda’s refugee integration system, deportees could be left in legal and social limbo: without clear refugee status, support systems, or ability to integrate especially if they have no ties to Uganda.