Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
US Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that on Thursday night, Secretary Rubio and President Museveni discussed ‘opportunities to deepen US–Uganda cooperation on migration, reciprocal trade, and commercial ties.
The US Secretary also praised Uganda for being a model of regional stability, highlighting its peacekeeping contributions in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The call came after Kampala confirmed a temporary deal with the President Donald Trump Government to accommodate asylum seekers who were denied protection in the United States and cannot safely return to their home countries.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to discuss opportunities to deepen U.S.-Uganda cooperation on migration, reciprocal trade, and commercial ties. The Secretary also thanked Uganda for providing a model of regional stability, including its valuable contributions to peacekeeping in East Africa,” read the statement.
Museveni Deals with the US to Host Migrants
Uganda confirmed an agreement with the United States to host migrants from third countries who have failed to secure asylum in America but are unwilling to return to their home countries.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through a statement on Thursday, August 21, the move marks a new chapter in Uganda’s long history of hosting displaced people.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, explained that the deal is only temporary and will come with clear conditions.
Also Read: Museveni Makes Deal with Trump to Host US Migrants
Uganda Gives Conditions Under the Deal
Waiswa added that Uganda would prefer to receive African nationals under the new arrangement. However, the finer details are still being discussed with Washington.
The deal excludes individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors and is still under negotiation between the two governments.
“This is a temporary arrangement with conditions, including that individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors will not be accepted. Uganda also prefers that individuals from African countries shall be the ones transferred to Uganda.
“The two parties are working out the detailed modalities on how the agreement shall be implemented,” Waiswa added.
Also Read: Trump to Send 250 Migrants to Rwanda Under New Deal
Uganda is now the fourth African country, after South Sudan and Eswatini, to accept such migrants.
Earlier, on August 5, Rwanda also signed a deal with America to accept up to 250 deportees.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed the agreement, saying the country would review and approve each individual case before resettlement.
Those approved for resettlement would receive accommodation support, healthcare, and workforce training to help them start over in Rwanda.
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