The ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that eight individuals have been transferred to Uganda from the United States under a bilateral migration arrangement signed last year.
In a statement, the ministry said the transfer follows an agreement concluded between Uganda and the US in July 2025. The arrangement allows Uganda to receive and process asylum claims of certain third-country nationals.
The individuals arrived in Uganda on April 1, 2026. Authorities said they are neither Ugandan nor American citizens but are of African origin. Their cases were reviewed and approved by a US immigration judge before relocation.
The government said the agreement applies to individuals who may not qualify for asylum in the US and are unwilling or unable to return to their countries of origin. It added that the framework is consistent with Uganda’s domestic laws.
At the centre of the arrangement is the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution, torture or inhumane treatment. Officials said this safeguard applies to all migrants regardless of their legal status.
Uganda said its participation in the agreement is 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 said.
Officials added that, due to privacy considerations, further details about the identities and nationalities of the individuals will not be disclosed.
