…Another 169 foreigners detained in separate raids
Ugandan immigration authorities have arrested 62 Nigerian nationals in Adjumani District for allegedly operating an unlicensed church and residing in the country without valid work and immigration permits.
The arrests, carried out on April 27, 2026, were confirmed on Tuesday by the spokesperson of Uganda’s National Citizenship and Immigration Control, Mundeyi Simon Peter, who said the operation was part of a nationwide enforcement drive targeting irregular migration and unlawful residency.
According to the agency, the Nigerians were picked up following intelligence reports indicating that they were engaged in religious activities without the required authorisation to work or reside in Uganda.
“As part of a nationwide commitment to national security and the rule of law, the National Citizenship and Immigration Control has successfully conducted two major enforcement operations against irregular migration,” Mundeyi said in a statement.
“Acting on credible intelligence, enforcement teams apprehended 62 Nigerian nationals in Adjumani District on April 27, 2026. The group was found operating illegally, specifically without valid work permits, while engaged in activities that included the operation of a church,” he added.
In a separate operation in Kampala, authorities also arrested 169 foreign nationals in the Bukoto-Ntinda area for alleged immigration violations.
The suspects, which included 36 women, were reportedly found in a secured apartment complex described by authorities as a “highly restricted” facility with internal amenities allegedly used to conceal illicit activities.
Ugandan officials further disclosed that computers and other IT equipment were recovered from the premises, which were allegedly being used for illegal online gaming, betting operations, and cyber fraud-related activities.
The immigration agency said the arrested persons comprised nationals from several countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Mundeyi noted that preliminary investigations revealed mixed accounts from the suspects, with some claiming they were trafficked into Uganda under false promises of employment, while others were allegedly involved in cyber-related crimes.
“A few were found in possession of materials suggesting involvement in other criminal activities,” he said.
He added that all 231 suspects arrested across both operations are currently undergoing screening and immigration processing.
According to him, individuals found guilty of violating Ugandan immigration laws would be prosecuted, while cases involving trafficking or criminal activity would be transferred to relevant law enforcement agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
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