Ugandan Opposition Criticizes US Deportation Deal Lacking Parliamentary Approval

Ugandan opposition figures and citizens have strongly criticized a new agreement with the United States, under President Donald Trump's administration, to accept deportees from the US, citing the absence of parliamentary approval and concerns that the deal may be used by President Yoweri Museveni to ease political pressure amid US sanctions on Ugandan officials. Officials have indicated a preference for deportees of African origin without criminal records, but Uganda is being considered as a deportation destination for high-profile detainee Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident charged with human smuggling who has been under protected legal status due to safety concerns in El Salvador. Opposition lawmaker Ibrahim Ssemujju and former opposition leader Mathias Mpuuga criticized the arrangement, with Mpuuga calling the scheme suspicious and perplexing given Uganda's existing challenges hosting refugees from neighboring conflict zones. The agreement has drawn scrutiny over its secrecy and potential political motivations, especially as Uganda grapples with refugee inflows and limited resources. The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed Abrego Garcia is being processed for removal to Uganda, intensifying debate over the deal's implications for human rights and Uganda's social responsibilities.