Uganda has accepted the transfer of third-country nationals under a bilateral agreement with the United States, marking a new step in asylum cooperation.
Ministry of Affairs Uganda say the arrangement aligns with international obligations and ensures protection for individuals unable to return home, as eight people have already arrived for assessment under the framework.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uganda, officials said the arrangement follows an agreement signed in July 2025 on the examination of protection requests.
“The Governments of the Republic of Uganda and the United States of America (USA) signed an Agreement for Cooperation in the Examination of Protection Requests in July 2025. The Agreement conforms to Uganda's national laws and international obligations,” the statement said.
The deal applies to third-country nationals, defined as individuals who are neither citizens of Uganda nor the United States, but of African origin.
According to the ministry, the arrangement is intended for people who may not be granted asylum in the US and are unable or unwilling to return to their countries of origin.
“As the Ministry clarified, it is in respect of third country nationals who may not be granted asylum in the USA and are reluctant to or may have concerns about returning to their countries of origin,” the statement added.
Uganda said the agreement reflects its broader humanitarian commitments and adherence to international law, including the principle of non-refoulement.
“This Safe Third Country Agreement takes into account both Governments' international obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement that guarantees that no one should be returned to a country where they would face torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,” the ministry said.
Officials emphasised that the principle applies to all migrants regardless of their legal status, reaffirming Uganda’s role as a country recognised for providing refuge to displaced populations.
The government said it accepted the proposal from the US after being considered a safe third country capable of handling such protection requests.
“It is therefore on this basis that the Government of Uganda, having been considered a safe third country, reviewed and accepted a proposal to cooperate in the examination of protection requests of individuals who may be removed from the USA,” the statement said.
The first group of individuals under the arrangement has already arrived. Authorities confirmed that eight people were transferred from the US to Uganda on April 1, 2026.
“Pursuant to this bilateral agreement, a group of eight (8) individuals arrived in Uganda from the USA on April 1, 2026, and their protection requests will be handled,” the ministry stated.
Their cases had been reviewed and approved by a US immigration judge prior to transfer, although further details have not been disclosed due to privacy considerations.
“Due to privacy reasons, their details may not be disclosed,” the statement noted.
Ugandan authorities said the individuals will undergo assessment processes in line with national procedures and international standards governing asylum and refugee protection.
The development highlights Uganda’s continued role as one of Africa’s leading host countries for refugees, with longstanding policies that allow displaced people access to land, services and integration opportunities.
Officials reiterated that the country remains committed to ensuring that those in need of protection are treated with dignity.
“Uganda continues to uphold its longstanding commitment to providing sanctuary to persons in need and ensuring that they are treated with dignity,” the statement concluded.
The agreement with the United States represents a growing trend of bilateral arrangements aimed at managing migration flows and asylum processes across borders.
While such agreements have drawn attention globally, Uganda’s position reaffirms its willingness to engage in international cooperation while maintaining adherence to humanitarian principles.
As the process unfolds, further transfers and assessments are expected under the framework, with authorities indicating that all cases will be handled in accordance with legal and human rights standards.