Uganda has received eight individuals transferred from the United States under a new bilateral arrangement that allows Kampala to examine protection requests for third-country nationals.
The group arrived on April 1, 2026, following approval of their cases by a U.S. immigration judge. Authorities say their asylum and protection claims will now be processed in Uganda.
The transfer follows a July 2025 agreement between Uganda and the United States on cooperation in handling protection requests. The deal applies to individuals of African origin who are neither Ugandan nor American, and who may not qualify for asylum in the U.S. or are unwilling to return to their countries of origin.
Government says the arrangement aligns with Uganda’s laws and international obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they risk torture or inhuman treatment.
Officials maintain that Uganda was considered a safe third country under the agreement, allowing it to take on the role of reviewing such cases.
Details of the eight individuals have not been disclosed, citing privacy concerns.
Uganda says it will continue to provide protection to those in need while ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld.
