Dozen Deportees Arrive in Uganda Amid Legal Group Condemnation

A group of 12 individuals from the United States is expected to arrive in Uganda following an agreement between President Donald Trump’s administration and the Ugandan government. The deportation flight has been met with criticism from local legal groups, who have taken court action to challenge the process.

The Uganda Law Society and the East Africa Law Society announced that they had filed a lawsuit against the deportation, describing it as “an undignified, harrowing and dehumanising process”. They stated that their actions are part of a broader effort to address what they term “transnational repression”.

According to reports, the 12 individuals landed at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday. No identifying information was provided about the deportees.

The agreement with Uganda is one of several deals struck by President Trump’s administration to transfer deported foreigners to third countries. At least six African countries have been involved in these agreements, including Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Rwanda, Eswatini, and South Sudan.

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the deal was a “temporary arrangement” with priority given to deportees from other African countries. The agreement excludes unaccompanied children and individuals with criminal records.

The cost of these agreements is unclear, although some countries have received significant funding. El Salvador received nearly $6 million, while Equatorial Guinea got $7.5 million. It is also reported that the US has provided at least $40 million in funding as incentives for countries to accept deportations.

Critics have questioned whether the countries receiving US deportees are safe and adequate. The US has previously criticized Uganda for human rights abuses, including reports of extrajudicial killings and torture.

Source: Al Jazeera