The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the arrival of eight individuals transferred from the United States following a new bilateral migration agreement between the two nations.
In a press statement issued on April 3, 2026, Permanent Secretary Bagiire Vincent Waiswa announced that the group arrived in Kampala on April 1. This transfer was executed under the “Safe Third Country” agreement signed in July 2025, which was designed to resolve cases involving third-country nationals seeking protection.
Regarding the details of the transfer, the Ministry clarified that the individuals are neither Ugandan nor American citizens, but are all of African origin. Each person’s case was thoroughly reviewed and approved by a U.S. immigration judge prior to their relocation to Uganda.
These individuals are characterized as those who may not be granted asylum in the United States but harbor significant fears or concerns regarding a return to their countries of origin.
This agreement is rooted in the international legal principle of non-refoulement, which strictly prohibits returning any person to a country where they might face torture, cruelty, or degrading treatment. By accepting these individuals, Uganda has affirmed its status as a “safe third country.”
The Ministry further emphasized that this cooperation aligns with national laws and international obligations, ensuring that all migrants are treated with dignity regardless of their specific migration status. Permanent Secretary Waiswa noted that Uganda remains steadfast in its longstanding commitment to providing sanctuary and dignified treatment to those in need.
In terms of privacy and security, the Ministry stated that due to the sensitive nature of protection requests, the identities and specific details of the eight individuals will not be disclosed. Their ongoing requests for protection will now be processed within Uganda’s legal framework.
This initiative strengthens Uganda’s regional role in refugee management and international humanitarian cooperation while expectedly bolstering diplomatic relations between Kampala and Washington.
