Uganda Arrests 2 Nigerian Accomplices Over Alleged Drug Trafficking, Document Fraud

Two Nigerians have been arrested in Uganda over their alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking and document fraud network dismantled by security agencies in Kampala, the country’s capital.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation coordinated by Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs through the National Citizenship and Immigration Control, in collaboration with other security agencies.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Mundeyi Simon Peter, and shared via its X handle.

According to the ministry, the operation exposed a “sophisticated drug trafficking network operating internationally based in Kampala,” involving a Ugandan national and several foreign associates.

At the centre of the investigation is a Ugandan businessman, Mr Mugisha Keith King, who authorities said was linked to shell companies and multiple alleged criminal activities, including drug trafficking and identity fraud.

“In 2010, Mr Mugisha was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi with cocaine shipped from Brazil. He served a 12-year prison sentence in Kenya and remains an internationally wanted criminal,” the statement read.

The ministry further alleged that Mugisha operated under multiple identities.

“Mr Mugisha holds different passports alongside his Ugandan passport, including those from Seychelles, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Brazil, as well as national IDs of Kenya and Nigeria. He also has a fake work ID masquerading as an employee of the President’s Office,” it added.

Authorities also accused him of impersonating government and military officials, including placing a signpost at his residence labelled “Ambassador’s Residence.”

The statement said Mugisha worked closely with Nigerian nationals, including a woman identified as his spouse.

“Mr Mugisha is alleged to be coordinating these illegal activities with a group of Nigerian nationals. Of particular concern is the discovery that his spouse, a Nigerian national, Ms Ikemefuna Winner Chekwubechukwu, fraudulently acquired a Ugandan National ID under the name Mugisha Winner Chekwubechukwu with the help of Mugisha.

“She is currently on the run in Brazil,” the ministry stated.

Authorities confirmed that two Nigerians—Ikemefuna Testimony Udo and Ikemefuna Annointing—are currently in custody in connection with the network.

“The Ministry also has in custody the following Nigerian associates linked to this racket: Ikemefuna Testimony Udo and Ikemefuna Annointing,” the statement added.

The ministry said further arrests are ongoing in collaboration with international security partners.

Security operatives recovered several items during searches of the suspect’s residence and business premises, including a gun, a pistol, live ammunition, multiple passports and identity cards, military uniforms, communication devices, and suspected forged official documents.

“The Ministry emphasises that Uganda maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and the misuse of military hardware,” the statement said.

It urged members of the public to report suspected drug-related activities and impersonation of security personnel, adding that investigations, including immigration status reviews of foreign suspects, are ongoing.

Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to working with international partners to track down other suspects still at large.