Eight people from different African countries have been deported to Uganda from the United States, marking the first such transfer under a migration deal signed between the two nations last year. They arrived on Wednesday following the approval of their cases by a US judge, as confirmed by Uganda's foreign ministry.
The ministry stated that the deal designates Uganda as a safe third country for migrants unable to return to their home countries, often due to persecution risks. However, the Uganda Law Society has condemned the deportations, describing the process as undignified, harrowing, and dehumanising, indicating plans to challenge the legality of these actions in court.
Human rights advocates have criticized the Biden Administration's policies surrounding deportations, with calls for a review of the legality of such transfers. The US has, since the start of President Trump's administration, ramped up efforts to deport undocumented migrants, pledging compliance with international agreements that designate specific countries as acceptable for deportation.
Uganda's foreign ministry acknowledged it could not disclose comprehensive details about the deportees for privacy reasons but asserted its commitment to upholding dignity for all individuals seeking sanctuary.
This latest transfer comes amidst ongoing debates regarding the treatment of asylum seekers and deportees, contributing to heightened tensions surrounding immigration policies in the US.
