Kampala — Uganda’s decision to accept migrants rejected by the United States under a new agreement with the Trump administration has stirred sharp criticism at home, with opposition leaders warning the deal will strain the country’s already limited resources.
The foreign ministry last week confirmed a “temporary arrangement” with Washington to host foreign nationals who are denied asylum in the US but are unwilling to return to their countries of origin. Uganda, however, set conditions, saying it would not accept deportees with criminal records or unaccompanied minors, and expressed preference for African migrants.
“The whole scheme stinks without parliamentary oversight,” former opposition leader Mathias Mpuuga told the Associated Press.
Uganda already shelters nearly two million refugees — the largest such population in Africa — mostly fleeing wars in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Critics argue the new arrangement risks overwhelming humanitarian services and infrastructure.
“It’s a deal that relieves the US of its burden but bears little benefit for Uganda,” said journalist and researcher Raymond Mujuni.
The plan could also complicate the deportation of Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose removal from the US to Uganda has been delayed by a judge while he seeks protection.
The agreement makes Uganda the fourth African nation to accept US deportees, after Rwanda, South Sudan, and Eswatini.
Analysts also caution the deal may blunt scrutiny of President Yoweri Museveni’s authoritarian record ahead of next year’s election. Museveni, 80, has ruled since 1986 and is expected to run again.
