KAMPALA, April 3, 2026 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a group of eight individuals has been transferred to Uganda from the United States of America under a bilateral migration arrangement signed last year.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the Government said the transfer follows an Agreement on Cooperation in the Examination of Protection Requests, concluded between Uganda and the U.S. in July 2025. The arrangement allows Uganda to receive and process asylum-related claims of certain third-country nationals.
According to the statement, the individuals—who arrived in Uganda on April 1, 2026—are neither Ugandan nor American citizens but are of African origin. Their cases had reportedly been reviewed and approved by a U.S. immigration judge prior to their relocation.
The Government clarified that the agreement applies specifically to individuals who may not qualify for asylum in the U.S. and are unwilling or unable to return to their countries of origin. It emphasized that the framework is consistent with Uganda’s domestic laws and international obligations.
Central to the agreement is the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution, torture, or inhumane treatment. Authorities underscored that this safeguard applies to all migrants regardless of their legal status.
Uganda said its decision to participate in the arrangement was informed by its recognition as a “safe third country” and its longstanding role in refugee protection. The country hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa.
“The Government of 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.
Officials added that, due to privacy considerations, further details regarding the identities and nationalities of the individuals will not be disclosed.
The development signals deepening cooperation between Kampala and Washington on migration management, at a time when global asylum systems are under increasing strain.
