KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Law Society (ULS), together with the East Africa Law Society, has issued a sharp condemnation of what it calls an unlawful, opaque, and dehumanising deportation arrangement between the United States and Uganda.
Speaking at a press conference in Kampala, the legal bodies alleged that a privately owned aircraft carrying an undisclosed number of deportees, reportedly restrained in handcuffs is expected to land at Entebbe International Airport.
They say the operation has been conducted without public policy guidance, parliamentary approval, or notification of key government agencies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony described the process as unlawful and unacceptable.
“This is not deportation. This is dumping,” he said, urging the judiciary to urgently intervene.
He further questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the arrangement and called for the immediate release of any agreements reportedly made between Ugandan authorities and the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Prominent lawyer Andrew Karamagi also raised concern over the reported treatment of deportees, describing their long-distance transfer in restraints as degrading and a violation of fundamental rights.
“The relevant government institutions and Parliament have not been informed,” he said. “We are seeking court intervention to halt this process and ensure that the rights of these individuals are protected.”
The ULS confirmed that it has already filed urgent applications before both Ugandan and regional courts, seeking to stop the deportations and compel the return of those affected.
Although the press briefing was initially convened to mark International Day of Zero Waste, World Autism Awareness Day, and to address concerns about press freedom following a recent journalist abduction, the deportation issue quickly became the central focus.
ULS Executive Officer Christine Awor and Acting Secretary Babu Ssali reiterated the Society’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability. Okoria Atekel of the National Environment Management Authority also addressed the gathering, though attention remained firmly on the deportation controversy.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Another Fine Mess: USA-Uganda Dehumanising ‘Deportation’ Agreement Challenged in Court,” the ULS warned that the situation reflects broader concerns about transnational repression and state-backed impunity.
The Society outlined a series of actions, including ongoing legal challenges, demands for full disclosure of any bilateral agreements, and calls for public vigilance. It also emphasized continued collaboration with regional legal bodies to oppose the arrangement.
Inviting public engagement, the ULS urged Ugandans and the wider African community to scrutinize the development and push back against what it described as a troubling erosion of human rights and governance standards.
As the aircraft is reportedly en route to Entebbe, Uganda’s legal fraternity has taken a firm stance: respect for human dignity and adherence to the rule of law must remain paramount.
