EU mulls dumping 10,000 asylum seekers in Uganda

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Over 1.9 million refugees live in Uganda. PHOTOS/REUTERS

Two European Union (EU) MPs on a working trip to Kampala three weeks ago reportedly broached the idea of Uganda hosting a “return hub”, an offshore detention centre for rejected or unwanted migrants and asylum seekers, Daily Monitor has learnt.

The two EU MPs, Tineke Strik and Anna Strolenber, visited Uganda from September 20, during which they met with among others, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At one point in our lives, we were also asylum seekers—not by choice, but because circumstances forced us to flee. Above all, we had to respect the laws and regulations of a country that had…

Despite the growing pressure, Mr. Tayebwa emphasized that Uganda remains committed to receiving asylum seekers due to a refugee policy rooted in humanitarian principles.

Mr Engola urged refugees from places where peace has been restored, to return voluntarily to their countries of origin so Uganda can forego some expenses.

That model is now facing its most serious stress test in a generation

According to him, Uganda is hosting more than two million refugees, yet it is operating at less than 50 percent .

Dr Musenero said the depreciating shilling, war in Iran and other factors have led to the current high fuel prices across the country.

"We cannot run trains through people’s sitting rooms," says URC PRO