EU lawmakers propose Uganda as offshore hub for rejected migrants

European Union lawmakers have formally proposed the establishment of an offshore detention facility in Uganda to serve as a "return hub" for rejected asylum seekers. During a high-level diplomatic visit to Kampala that began on September 20, EU Members of Parliament Tineke Strik and Anna Strolenberg presented the concept as a potential solution for managing migrants who have been denied entry or residency within the European bloc. The proposal marks a significant development in ongoing discussions regarding the externalization of European border management.

The proposal was discussed in detail during a series of strategic meetings with high-ranking Ugandan officials. The visiting delegation engaged with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, as well as representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These discussions centered on the feasibility of using Uganda’s territory to process and hold individuals categorized as unwanted or rejected by EU member states before their final relocation or deportation to their countries of origin.

The "return hub" model represents an attempt by European authorities to move the administrative and physical challenges of migration management outside of European borders. While Uganda is already recognized globally for its progressive and open-door refugee policies, the introduction of a dedicated facility specifically for rejected European asylum seekers would represent a new and complex dimension in the country’s cooperation with international partners on global migration issues. No formal agreement has been announced following the initial proposal.