Uganda Arrests 62 Nigerians Over Immigration, Church Violations
Ugandan authorities have detained dozens of foreign nationals in a coordinated immigration enforcement operation that has raised fresh scrutiny over undocumented migration and informal religious activities in the country.
The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control confirmed that 62 Nigerian nationals were arrested in Adjumani District for allegedly residing and working without valid permits, while also operating an unauthorised church.
In a statement published on its official X platform, the agency said the arrests followed a tip-off from members of the public, prompting enforcement کارروations carried out on April 27, 2026, in Adjumani and parts of Kampala, including the Bukoto–Ntinda area.
“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits). The group, primarily found operating a church, among other activities, is now being processed for prosecution under Uganda’s immigration laws,” the statement read.
Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said the suspects are currently being held at the Namanve facility, where they are undergoing legal procedures that could lead to deportation, fines, or blacklisting from re-entry.
Spokesperson for the ministry, Simon Peter Mundeyi, stated that the group allegedly used religious activities as a cover for other unauthorised engagements.
“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,” he said.
Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest varying accounts among those detained. While some reportedly claimed they were brought into the country under false job promises, others are being examined for possible links to online fraud and related offences. Authorities noted that these claims remain under investigation and have not yet been proven in court.
In a separate but related crackdown, immigration officials arrested 169 other foreign nationals in a Bukoto apartment complex for lacking valid documentation. The group included 36 women and individuals from countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Officials say the operations form part of ongoing efforts to enforce immigration regulations amid concerns over undocumented foreign presence and associated risks. Uganda has in recent years tightened oversight of foreign nationals engaging in business, religious, and informal sector activities without proper authorisation.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance with immigration laws and urged property owners to verify the legal status of prospective tenants.
“We also ask landlords who offer accommodation facilities to people who are clearly not Ugandans to endeavour to request at least the immigration status of foreign tenants before allowing them to settle on their premises,” Mundeyi added.
The outcome of the legal process involving those detained is expected to clarify the extent of any violations and determine appropriate penalties under Ugandan law.