Ugandan immigration authorities have deported Dr Kymmberli Stowe, an American national and former principal of Heritage International School in Kansanga, Kampala, following her dismissal and a brief detention.
Dr Stowe, who began her tenure as principal in May 2025, was dismissed in October 2025. The school cited her alleged failure to disclose a prior legal dispute with a previous employer in Morocco and misrepresentation of her role there.
Following her dismissal, Dr Stowe filed complaints with Ugandan authorities, alleging racial discrimination, violations of labour law, safeguarding failures, and mistreatment.
According to reports, Dr Stowe was arrested around December 18–19, shortly after meeting the Commissioner of Labour to contest her dismissal. She was detained for several days as immigration authorities reviewed the legality of her stay in Uganda.
On or around December 24, 2025, the Directorate of Immigration and Citizenship Control deported Dr Stowe, after consultations with the U.S. Embassy.
Authorities reportedly issued an organised departure document, which may allow her to return to Uganda in the future to pursue legal claims related to her dismissal.
The case has sparked criticism from human rights defenders, who raised concerns about the conditions of her detention, potential violations of due process, and the possible influence of her former employer on immigration procedures.
As of now, the Directorate of Immigration has not issued an official public statement regarding the deportation. The story has been widely covered by Ugandan media outlets, including Daily Monitor and Uganda Radio Network.
