The Ministry of Internal Affairs has arrested 231 foreign nationals in two major immigration enforcement operations conducted in Kampala City and Adjumani District as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal residence and cross-border crime.
The operations were carried out by the National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC) following intelligence reports on suspected illegal stay, document fraud, and cyber-related criminal activity.
In Adjumani District, 62 Nigerian nationals were arrested for allegedly operating without valid work permits. Authorities said the group had been engaged in religious activities, including the operation of a church, despite lacking legal immigration status.
“The group was found operating illegally, specifically without valid work permits, while engaged in activities that included the operation of a church,” ministry spokesperson Mundeyi Simon Peter said.
In a separate operation conducted overnight on April 27–28, 2026, NCIC officers raided a secured apartment complex in the Bukoto–Ntinda area of Kampala, where 169 foreign nationals were detained.
The group comprised individuals from multiple countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Officials said the complex was highly restricted and structured with internal facilities intended to limit movement and conceal activities.
Investigators reportedly recovered computers and IT equipment suspected to have been used in illegal online betting, gaming operations, and cyber fraud schemes.
Preliminary screening indicates that some of the arrested individuals claimed they were trafficked into Uganda under false employment promises, while others are suspected of direct involvement in cybercrime activities. Several detainees were also found without valid identification documents, including passports.
Authorities said all 231 suspects are undergoing screening and immigration processing. Those found in violation of immigration laws will be prosecuted, while cases involving trafficking or organized crime will be referred to specialized investigative units for further investigation.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs said it remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring that all foreign nationals in Uganda are properly documented and compliant with national regulations.
