Story perspectives

Ugandan Pastor Faces Deportation Risks Amid Asylum Battle

2/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Steven Tendo, a Ugandan pastor and community organizer, was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside Shelburne health facility on February 1, 2026.
Advocacy groups warn deportation could expose him to persecution in Uganda, including torture and murder of family members tied to his political activism.
His attorney said he filed motions to reopen his asylum case.
Vermont's congressional delegation condemned the detention as undermining the asylum system.

History

Historical Context

The Ugandan Civil War, culminating in 1986, saw the National Resistance Army, led by Yoweri Museveni, commit severe human rights abuses against the Acholi people. Reports indicated thousands faced torture and extrajudicial killings. This historical backdrop informs current asylum struggles, as individuals like Steven Tendo may face similar threats in Uganda, highlighting the ongoing implications of past conflicts on immigration policies and personal safety.

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Story summary

Steven Tendo, a Ugandan pastor and community organizer, was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside Shelburne health facility on February 1, 2026.
Advocacy groups warn deportation could expose him to persecution in Uganda, including torture and murder of family members tied to his political activism.
His attorney said he filed motions to reopen his asylum case.
Vermont's congressional delegation condemned the detention as undermining the asylum system.

1 / 2