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Deportation

Uganda Agrees to Take in Failed Asylum Seekers from US under Trump's Deportation Drive

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Uganda, home to Africa's largest refugee population, has become the latest African country to agree to take in failed asylum seekers deported from the United States under President Donald Trump's highly contested deportation drive. This announcement follows similar arrangements with countries including El Salvador and Eswatini, which have sparked protests and criticism from rights groups. Uganda's open-door approach to refugees, recognised as the most progressive in Africa, has long been advocated by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The country already hosts approximately 1.8 million refugees, mostly from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Key Takeaways:

  • Uganda will accept failed asylum seekers deported from the United States under President Trump's deportation drive, becoming the latest African country to do so.
  • The deal is part of the US's effort to find third-country destinations for migrants whose governments are unwilling to take them back.
  • Uganda's open-door approach to refugees, which grants them the right to work, freedom of movement, and access to services, is considered one of the most progressive in the world.
  • The country already hosts 1.8 million refugees, mostly from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Uganda's refugee settlements are located in areas highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which has affected agricultural livelihoods and placed pressure on natural resources.
  • The country has indicated that it prefers to receive migrants originally from Africa.
  • Individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors will not be accepted under the deal.
  • Rwanda and South Sudan have also entered into similar deportation agreements with the US.

Statistics:

  • Uganda hosts approximately 1.8 million refugees, the largest number on the African continent.
  • Uganda's refugee settlements are located in areas vulnerable to climate change, which has affected 80% of the population nationally.
  • 250 migrants deported from the US to Rwanda are expected, according to Kigali.
  • 8 migrants have been deported to South Sudan from the US under the country's deportation agreement.

Sources:

  • Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary, Uganda Foreign Ministry: "The agreement is in respect of Third Country Nationals who may not be granted asylum in the United States, but are reluctant to or may have concerns about returning to their countries of origin." (Source: Statement on social media)
  • Uganda Foreign Ministry: "Individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors will not be accepted." (Source: Statement on social media)
  • UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi: "Uganda has the most progressive refugee policies in Africa, if not the world." (Source: Quote)
  • United Nations: "Uganda's refugee settlements are located in areas highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change." (Source: Report)
  • AllAfrica Global Media: "Uganda, home to Africa's largest refugee population..." (Source: Article)

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