Uganda Joins List of African Nations Accepting U.S. Deportees, Sparking Controversy

Uganda has joined the list of African nations agreeing to accept deportees from the United States. This move supports the U.S. government's efforts to send migrants and asylum seekers to other countries. Initially, the Ugandan government denied reports of an agreement with the U.S., citing a lack of infrastructure. However, they later confirmed a deal had been struck.

According to a statement from the Ugandan Foreign Ministry, the agreement concerns third-country nationals who are not granted asylum in the U.S. but are unwilling or hesitant to return to their home countries. The specific number of asylum seekers Uganda will accept remains undisclosed, as does any potential financial compensation from the U.S.

The Ugandan government clarified that individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors will not be accepted. They also expressed a preference for accepting individuals from African countries. Uganda is now the fourth African nation to have reached such an agreement with the U.S., joining South Sudan, Rwanda, and Eswatini. These countries are known for their authoritarian regimes, where opposition is often suppressed.

Uganda, under President Yoweri Museveni's long-standing rule, has a history of using force to quell opposition protests. The U.S. has previously imposed sanctions on Ugandan officials due to human rights concerns, yet the crackdown continues. Despite these issues, discussions between U.S. officials and President Museveni have focused on cooperation in areas such as migration, trade, and commercial ties.

The U.S.'s agreements with authoritarian regimes have drawn criticism in Africa, with concerns that the U.S. is using secret negotiations to make Africa a place to send unwanted individuals. Human rights groups have voiced strong opposition, emphasizing that people are not commodities.

Rwanda has agreed to accept up to 250 deportees from the U.S. South Sudan has already accepted deportees from various countries. Eswatini has also received deportees, including individuals with criminal convictions. The deportations to Eswatini have sparked protests and legal challenges, with human rights groups arguing the agreement is unconstitutional and lacks transparency. They also question the legal basis for imprisoning individuals who have already served their sentences.