Ugandan authorities have launched a sweeping operation that has led to the detention of over 231 foreign nationals, including 62 Nigerians.
The region, followed coordinated raids targeting illegal migration activities.
The crackdown was carried out on April 27, 2026, after intelligence reports were received from members of the public.
According to officials, the operation was conducted in Adjumani and the Bukoto-Ntinda area of Kampala.
Speaking on the development, Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi explained the reason behind the arrests. He revealed that some of the Nigerian suspects were allegedly operating a church and engaging in other activities without valid permits.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the arrested individuals are currently being held at the Namanve facility. They are undergoing legal processing, which may result in deportation.
In addition, authorities disclosed that initial investigations have produced mixed findings. Some suspects claimed they were lured into Uganda with false job offers. However, others are believed to have links to online fraud and related crimes.
Furthermore, a separate operation led to the arrest of 169 other foreign nationals in a Bukoto apartment. Among them were 36 women, all reportedly lacking valid immigration documents.
The group was said to include individuals from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
“We also ask the landlords who offer accommodation facilities to these people who are clearly not Ugandans to endeavour to ask for at least the immigration status of foreign tenants before allowing them to settle in their premises.”
Moreover, the government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws across the country. Officials say such operations will continue as part of efforts to maintain order and national security.
