An IMGW News Report
Uganda has agreed to accept certain deported migrants from the United States under strict conditions, according to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only deportees without criminal records will be considered, and unaccompanied minors are excluded. Kampala also said it prefers to receive nationals from African countries.
The ministry described the deal as “concluded,” though it is unclear if a formal signing has taken place. Officials confirmed both sides are still working out the “detailed modalities” of implementation.
“(…) Washington has escalated deportations beyond traditional repatriations, recently sending individuals with criminal backgrounds to Eswatini and South Sudan”
Henry Okello Oryem, Uganda’s Minister for International Relations, stressed that the country’s generosity in hosting more than 1.5 million refugees should not be mistaken for an open-door policy. “We are talking about cartels: people who are unwanted in their own countries. How can we integrate them into local communities in Uganda?” he told the Associated Press, adding that talks with Washington should focus on trade and diplomacy, not resettlement of US deportees.
“In Europe, Italy has struck a controversial agreement with Albania to host migrant processing centres.(…) The model has attracted attention in London, where the UK’s Labour government has floated the idea of establishing “return hubs” overseas to house failed asylum seekers”
“Uganda’s agreement signals how migration politics in the West increasingly shifts responsibilities onto other nations”
Uganda’s move reflects a growing global trend of outsourcing migration management. In Europe, Italy has struck a controversial agreement with Albania to host migrant processing centres.
The model has attracted attention in London, where the UK’s Labour government has floated the idea of establishing “return hubs” overseas to house failed asylum seekers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed exploratory talks with several countries, though Albania has already ruled out participation, warning the plan placed the UK in “a very dark place.” Security services have also raised concerns about siting such hubs in the Western Balkans, citing risks of corruption and foreign interference.
Washington, meanwhile, has escalated deportations beyond traditional repatriations, recently sending individuals with criminal backgrounds to Eswatini and South Sudan. Uganda’s agreement signals how migration politics in the West increasingly shifts responsibilities onto other nations.
