“We Were Treated Like Criminals for No Reason” – Ugandans Sue Kenya Over Illegal Deportation

Thirty-five Ugandan nationals have filed a lawsuit against the Kenyan government, accusing its security agencies of unlawful arrest, assault and forceful deportation. The group, linked to Uganda’s opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), claims Kenyan and Ugandan authorities violated their basic rights during what was meant to be a peaceful leadership training session in Kisumu.

Court filings reveal the group lawfully entered Kenya on July 23, 2024, for a week-long training at the Ukweli Pastoral Centre. They insist they were cleared by immigration officials and had proper accommodation. But that same night, their stay turned into a nightmare. Armed men, allegedly from both countries’ security forces, raided their lodgings, assaulted them and made arrests without any legal explanation.

The petitioners say they were blindfolded and driven under armed escort across the border into Uganda. They claim they were handed over to Ugandan authorities in the middle of the night without being informed of any charges or due process. One of them, a registered refugee in Kenya, says his deportation broke both the Refugee Act, 2021 and international law.

The group cites a statement by Uganda Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma on July 29, 2024, which confirmed their transfer, alleging they were involved in “covert subversive activities.” They dismiss the claims, saying the accusations are fabricated to justify the illegal operation.

They accuse both governments of violating Kenya’s Constitution , including their rights to dignity, movement, security and fair treatment. None of them, they add, were charged, given access to lawyers or presented before any Kenyan court.

Upon reaching Kampala, they were held incommunicado for several days before being charged with terrorism-related offenses under Uganda’s Anti-Terrorism Act. They are now asking Kenya’s High Court to declare the arrests and deportations unconstitutional and unlawful.

“We were treated like criminals for no reason,” one petitioner said. “We trusted Kenya to uphold justice but instead, it betrayed that trust.”