Ugandan authorities have arrested 62 Nigerian nationals in Adjumani District over alleged illegal church operations and immigration violations, in what officials describe as part of a wider crackdown on irregular migration, undocumented residency, and suspected criminal activities across the country. The arrests were announced by Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) on April 28, 2026.
According to immigration officials, the Nigerians were allegedly operating a church and engaging in other activities without valid work permits or the proper legal authorization required under Ugandan immigration law. Authorities said the operation followed a tip-off from members of the public, leading enforcement officers to raid the location and detain the suspects.
In an official statement, Immigration Uganda said: “Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits).” Officials further stated that the group was found “operating a church among other things” and is currently undergoing legal processing for possible prosecution under Uganda’s immigration laws.
Under Ugandan law, foreign nationals are prohibited from working in the country without a valid work permit or special immigration pass issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. Religious workers, missionaries, and church operators are also required to obtain specific permits before carrying out ministry activities. For missionaries and volunteers, the country provides a Class G1 permit, while expatriates employed by organizations fall under Class G2 permits. These permits require sponsorship, police clearance, proof of qualifications, and supporting documentation.
Authorities warned that religious activities do not exempt foreigners from immigration compliance. Officials stressed that even those entering Uganda for missionary purposes must regularize their stay before engaging in church work or community ministry.
The 62 Nigerians were part of a larger nationwide enforcement exercise in which a total of 231 foreign nationals were detained in two separate intelligence-led operations. In another raid carried out in Kampala’s Bukoto–Ntinda area, immigration officers arrested 169 foreign nationals from several countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Ugandan authorities said the Kampala suspects were found living in a highly restricted apartment complex allegedly linked to illegal gaming, online scams, betting operations, and possible human trafficking. Several computers and IT equipment were reportedly recovered from the premises. Some detainees claimed they had been trafficked into Uganda with false promises of employment, while others are suspected to have been involved in cyber fraud and organized scamming.
Speaking on the development, Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi said some individuals enter Uganda under the guise of preaching and later engage in unauthorized or suspicious activities. He noted that authorities are now screening all detainees to determine who should face prosecution, deportation, fines, or blacklisting from future entry into Uganda.
The incident has generated discussions across Nigeria and Uganda, especially concerning the growing scrutiny of foreign religious operators and undocumented migrants. While some observers argue that legitimate missionaries should not be unfairly targeted, Ugandan authorities insist that enforcement is necessary to protect national security, prevent abuse of immigration laws, and curb criminal networks hiding behind religious or business fronts.
For the arrested Nigerians, the coming days will determine whether they face deportation, legal prosecution, or other immigration sanctions. Ugandan officials have reaffirmed that all foreign nationals must comply fully with the country’s laws regardless of profession, nationality, or religious affiliation.
