Uganda's Ministry of Internal Affairs has intensified its crackdown on irregular migration, arresting more than 231 illegal immigrants, including 62 Nigerian nationals, in two separate intelligence-led operations. The suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids conducted on April 27, 2026, in Adjumani and the Bukoto–Ntinda areas of Kampala.
Details of the Operations
The arrests were carried out by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control following public tip-offs. According to the ministry's spokesperson, Simon Peter Mundeyi, the Nigerian nationals were operating a church and engaging in other activities without valid work permits. They are currently being processed for prosecution under Uganda's immigration laws, which may result in fines, deportation, and blacklisting.
Nigerians Held in Namanve
Mundeyi revealed that the Nigerians are being held at the Ministry's facility in Namanve. He stated, “These people come under the guise of preaching the gospel and hide behind other irregular activities. So acting on that intelligence, we swung into action and were able to apprehend them.” During interrogation, some Nigerians claimed they were trafficked into Uganda under false promises of employment, while others were directly involved in cyber scamming and related offenses.
Other Foreign Nationals Arrested
In a separate operation, 169 other foreign nationals were arrested in an apartment in Bukoto, a Kampala suburb, for lacking valid immigration status. Among them are 36 women. The majority originate from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Ministry's Commitment to Compliance
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all foreign nationals in Uganda are properly documented and comply with national regulations. Mundeyi also urged landlords to verify the immigration status of foreign tenants before allowing them to settle on their premises.
