Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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Picture Courtesy - Muniini k . Mulera
The Canadian government has granted certain Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda a renewed opportunity to seek protection from deportation, citing concerns over Uganda's evolving security, political and human rights situation.
In a June 19 announcement, Canada's immigration authorities temporarily waived the standard 12-month waiting period that normally prevents unsuccessful asylum seekers from reapplying for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). The government said some Ugandans could face increased risks if returned to Uganda due to concerns about serious human rights violations and the country's political environment.
Under the new measures, Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda may qualify for a PRRA if, between June 20, 2025, and June 19, 2026, they received a final negative decision on:
•An asylum claim;
•A previous PRRA application; or
•A Federal Court decision related to their case.
A PRRA is an assessment used to determine whether a person would face persecution, torture, or other serious harm if deported from Canada. Normally, applicants who receive a negative decision must wait 12 months before becoming eligible to apply again. However, Canadian law allows that waiting period to be lifted when conditions in a person's home country deteriorate significantly.
Canadian authorities stressed that eligibility to apply for a PRRA does not automatically guarantee permission to remain in the country. Each application will continue to be assessed individually based on the evidence provided.
The exemption does not apply to everyone. Individuals facing removal orders because of serious inadmissibility issues, or those previously excluded from refugee protection, may only qualify for a restricted PRRA process.
Canada also clarified that Ugandans who receive a final negative immigration decision after June 19, 2026, will remain subject to the normal 12-month waiting period because current conditions in Uganda would already have been considered during the assessment of their cases.
The decision is seen as a significant acknowledgment by Canada of growing concerns about Uganda's political and human rights situation and could provide renewed hope for hundreds of Ugandans facing possible deportation.
Source: Nile post UG
